Washington § 42.20.070 - Misappropriation and falsification of accounts by public officer.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 42.20.070 — Misappropriation and falsification of accounts by public officer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42.20.070. Misappropriation and falsification of accounts by public officer.

Every public officer, and every other person receiving money on behalf or for or on account of the people of the state or of any department of the state government or of any bureau or fund created by law in which the people are directly or indirectly interested, or for or on account of any county, city, town, or any school, diking, drainage, or irrigation district, who:
(1) Appropriates to his or her own use or the use of any person not entitled thereto, without authority of law, any money so received by him or her as such officer or otherwise; or
(2) Knowingly keeps any false account, or makes any false entry or erasure in any account, of or relating to any money so received by him or her; or
(3) Fraudulently alters, falsifies, conceals, destroys, or obliterates any such account; or
(4) Willfully omits or refuses to pay over to the state, its officer or agent authorized by law to receive the same, or to such county, city, town, or such school, diking, drainage, or irrigation district or to the proper officer or authority empowered to demand and receive the same, any money received by him or her as such officer when it is a duty imposed upon him or her by law to pay over and account for the same,
is guilty of a class B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not more than fifteen years.
[ 2003 c 53 s 219; 1992 c 7 s 37; 1909 c 249 s 317; RRS s 2569. Prior: Code 1881 s 890; 1873 p 202 s 92; 1854 p 91 s 83.]

Notes

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 42.20.070

What does Revised Code of Washington § 42.20.070 cover?

Section 42.20.070 ("Misappropriation and falsification of accounts by public officer.") 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 § 42.20.070?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 42.20.070" (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 § 42.20.070 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

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