Washington § 9A.44.132 - Failure to register as sex offender or kidnapping offender.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9A.44.132 — Failure to register as sex offender or kidnapping offender., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9A.44.132. Failure to register as sex offender or kidnapping offender.

(1) A person commits the crime of failure to register as a sex offender if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130 for a felony sex offense and knowingly fails to comply with any of the requirements of RCW 9A.44.130.

(a) The failure to register as a sex offender pursuant to this subsection is a class C felony if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130(1)(a) and:

(i) It is the person's first conviction for a felony failure to register; or

(ii) The person has previously been convicted of a felony failure to register as a sex offender in this state or pursuant to the laws of another state, or pursuant to federal law.

(b) If a person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130(1)(a) and has been convicted of a felony failure to register as a sex offender in this state or pursuant to the laws of another state, or pursuant to federal law, on two or more prior occasions, the failure to register under this subsection is a class B felony.

(c) The failure to register as a sex offender is a gross misdemeanor if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130(1)(b).

(2) A person is guilty of failure to register as a sex offender if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130 for a sex offense other than a felony and knowingly fails to comply with any of the requirements of RCW 9A.44.130. The failure to register as a sex offender under this subsection is a gross misdemeanor.

(3) A person commits the crime of failure to register as a kidnapping offender if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9A.44.130 for a kidnapping offense and knowingly fails to comply with any of the requirements of RCW 9A.44.130.

(a) If the person has a duty to register for a felony kidnapping offense, the failure to register as a kidnapping offender is a class C felony.

(b) If the person has a duty to register for a kidnapping offense other than a felony, the failure to register as a kidnapping offender is a gross misdemeanor.

(4) Unless relieved of the duty to register pursuant to RCW 9A.44.141 and 9A.44.142, a violation of this section is an ongoing offense for purposes of the statute of limitations under RCW 9A.04.080.

[ 2023 c 150 s 6; 2019 c 443 s 4; 2015 c 261 s 5; 2011 c 337 s 5; 2010 c 267 s 3.]

Notes

Findings—Intent—2023 c 150: See note following RCW 9A.44.130.

Short title—Findings—2019 c 443: See notes following RCW 43.43.754.

Application—2010 c 267: See note following RCW 9A.44.128.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 9A.44.132

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9A.44.132 cover?

Section 9A.44.132 ("Failure to register as sex offender or kidnapping offender.") 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 § 9A.44.132?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 9A.44.132" (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 § 9A.44.132 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

Official text of § 9A.44.132 at the Washington source

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