White Collar and Crimes

¶ … Washington's Criminal Code RCWs The Washington Criminal Code Title 9 covers crimes and punishments, with Title 9a detailing the criminal code. Both include ample detail for everything from fraud to crimes against animals. A few of the most surprising details include abortion, abandoned refrigeration equipment, and lasers. In Title 9.02, for example, the state lists concealing birth by disposing of a dead baby as an aptly named "gross misdemeanor," (RCW 9.02.050).

It is, however, unsurprising and relieving to see the state "may not deny or interfere with a woman's right to choose to have an abortion prior to viability of the fetus, or to protect her life or health," (RCW 9.02.110). Interestingly, though, no physician or healthcare provider can be forced to provide an abortion, which could foreseeably pose problems to women living in rural areas where access to clinics is limited and could be restricted only to facilities that ideologically object against practicing abortion in any situation.

Therefore, RCW 9.02.150 could be one of the state criminal code's weakest areas in terms of ensuring equal access to healthcare services and human rights. The misdemeanor laws against abandoned refrigeration equipment are surprisingly harsh. For example, "Any owner, lessee, or manager who knowingly permits such an unused refrigerator, icebox, or deep freeze locker to remain on the premises under his or her control" without locking that equipment can be charged with a misdemeanor. (RCW 9.03.020).

This is one of the few instances in the Washington Criminal Code that specific items and rules of disposal are explicitly mentioned. Even the criminal codes related to violent crimes lack the level of detail offered for the humble ice box, making this section of the criminal code perplexing. The topic of lasers exists only because lasers are often designed to be weapons and although there does not necessarily need to be a separate criminal code for lasers, the state includes one to ensure clarity of the law.

Generally the criminal code is comprehensive, covering both white collar and blue collar crimes. The white collar crimes mentioned in the criminal code range from money laundering and identity theft to bribery and abuse of office. These are among the most important crimes listed in the criminal code. Cybercrimes are also included, enhancing the breadth and comprehensiveness of the Washington State criminal code. Types of violent crime are also covered extensively although with not too much detail with the possible exception of the lasers.

One interesting thing about the criminal code is that it also includes factors that can be mentioned in defense statements including outlining the provisions for a defense of insanity or temporary insanity in 9A.12. Other defenses include self-defense, duress, entrapment, and even intoxication, which are all listed in 9A.16 RCW. It is helpful to know and understand the parameters for judicious and lawful use of force and also for searches and seizures.

This section helps residents of the state understand their rights and how to craft their own defenses if charged with a criminal offence. There is even a specific section for offenses involving police searches of.