Washington § 38.38.788 - [Art. 132] Frauds against the government.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 38.38.788 — [Art. 132] Frauds against the government., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38.38.788. [Art. 132] Frauds against the government.

Any person subject to this code:
(1) Who, knowing it to be false or fraudulent:
(a) Makes any claim against the United States, the state, or any officer thereof; or
(b) Presents to any person in the civil or military service thereof, for approval or payment any claim against the United States, the state, or any officer thereof;
(2) Who, for the purpose of obtaining the approval, allowance, or payment of any claim against the United States, the state, or any officer thereof:
(a) Makes or uses any writing or other paper knowing it to contain any false or fraudulent statements;
(b) Makes any oath to any fact or to any writing or other paper knowing the oath to be false; or
(c) Forges or counterfeits any signature upon any writing or other paper, or uses any such signature knowing it to be forged or counterfeited;
(3) Who, having charge, possession, custody, or control of any money, or other property of the United States or the state, furnished or intended for the armed forces of the United States or the organized militia, knowingly delivers to any person having authority to receive it, any amount thereof less than that for which the person receives a certificate or receipt; or
(4) Who, being authorized to make or deliver any paper certifying the receipt of any property of the United States or the state, furnished or intended for the armed forces of the United States or the organized militia, makes or delivers to any person such writing without having full knowledge of the truth of the statements therein contained and with intent to defraud the United States or the state;
shall, upon conviction, be punished as a court-martial may direct.
[ 1989 c 48 s 70; 1963 c 220 s 116.]

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 38.38.788

What does Revised Code of Washington § 38.38.788 cover?

Section 38.38.788 ("[Art. 132] Frauds against the government.") 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 § 38.38.788?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 38.38.788" (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 § 38.38.788 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.