Washington § 10.31.040 - Officer may break and enter.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 10.31.040 — Officer may break and enter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 10.31.040. Officer may break and enter.

(1) To make an arrest in criminal actions, the officer may break open any outer or inner door, or windows of a dwelling house or other building, or any other enclosure, if, after notice of his or her office and purpose, he or she be refused admittance.
(2) An officer may not seek and a court may not issue a search or arrest warrant granting an express exception to the requirement for the officer to provide notice of his or her office and purpose when executing the warrant.
[ 2021 c 320 s 8; 2010 c 8 s 1030; Code 1881 s 1170; 1854 p 129 s 179; RRS s 2082.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 10.31.040

What does Revised Code of Washington § 10.31.040 cover?

Section 10.31.040 ("Officer may break and enter.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 10.31.040?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 10.31.040" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 10.31.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.