# RCW 9A.56.020: RCW 9A.56.020: Theft—Definition, defense

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S020

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 9A.56.020
- **Heading:** RCW 9A.56.020: Theft—Definition, defense
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 9A / Chapter 56 / Section 020

## Text

(1) "Theft" means: (a) To wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or (b) By color or aid of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services; or (c) To appropriate lost or misdelivered property or services of another, or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services. (2) In any prosecution for theft, it shall be a sufficient defense that: (a) The property or service was appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title made in good faith, even though the claim be untenable; or (b) The property was merchandise pallets that were received by a pallet recycler or repairer in the ordinary course of its business.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 9A.56.010 RCW 9A.56.010: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S010.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.020 RCW 9A.56.020: Theft—Definition, defense.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S020.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.030 RCW 9A.56.030: Theft in the first degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S030.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.040 RCW 9A.56.040: Theft in the second degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S040.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.050 RCW 9A.56.050: Theft in the third degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S050.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.060 RCW 9A.56.060: Unlawful issuance of checks or drafts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S060.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.063 RCW 9A.56.063: Making or possessing motor vehicle theft tools.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S063.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.065 RCW 9A.56.065: Theft of motor vehicle.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S065.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.068 RCW 9A.56.068: Possession of stolen vehicle.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S068.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.070 RCW 9A.56.070: Taking motor vehicle without permission in the first degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S070.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.075 RCW 9A.56.075: Taking motor vehicle without permission in the second degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S075.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.078 RCW 9A.56.078: Motor vehicle crimes—Civil action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S078.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.080 RCW 9A.56.080: Theft of livestock in the first degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S080.md)
- [RCW 9A.56.083 RCW 9A.56.083: Theft of livestock in the second degree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S083.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9A_C56_S020. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.