Washington § 38.32.020 - Military offenses.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 38.32.020 — Military offenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38.32.020. Military offenses.

(1) Military offenses under chapter 38.38 RCW committed by members of the organized militia may be tried and punished as provided under chapter 38.38 RCW.
(2) Primary jurisdiction over military offenses enumerated in chapter 38.38 RCW is with military authorities. Primary jurisdiction over nonmilitary offenses is with civilian authorities. If an offense may be both military and nonmilitary, the military authorities may proceed only after the civilian authorities have declined to prosecute or dismissed the charge, provided jeopardy has not attached. Jurisdiction over attempted crimes, conspiracy crimes, solicitation, and accessory crimes must be determined by whether the underlying offense is a military or nonmilitary offense.
(3) Any member of the organized militia committing any offense under chapter 38.38 RCW may, if such offense is committed on a military reservation of the United States within this state, be turned over to the civil authorities for trial as provided by federal law.
[ 2009 c 378 s 2; 1989 c 19 s 40; 1963 c 220 s 135; 1943 c 130 s 81; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 8603-81.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 38.32.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 38.32.020 cover?

Section 38.32.020 ("Military offenses.") 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 § 38.32.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 38.32.020" (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.

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