Washington § 9A.60.045 - Criminal impersonation in the second degree.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9A.60.045 — Criminal impersonation in the second degree., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9A.60.045. Criminal impersonation in the second degree.

(1) A person is guilty of criminal impersonation in the second degree if the person:
(a) Falsely assumes the identity of a veteran or active duty member of the armed forces of the United States with intent to defraud for the purpose of personal gain or to facilitate any unlawful activity; or
(b)(i) Knowingly distributes a forged digital likeness of another person as a genuine visual representation or audio recording with intent to defraud, harass, threaten, or intimidate another or for any other unlawful purpose; and
(ii) Knows or reasonably should know that the forged digital likeness is not genuine.
(2) Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be construed to prohibit the distribution of visual representations or audio recordings for matters of cultural, historical, political, religious, educational, newsworthy, or public interest including, but not limited to, use in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody protected by the Washington state Constitution or the United States Constitution.
(4) Nothing in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be construed to impose liability upon the following entities solely as a result of content provided by another person:
(a) An interactive computer service, as defined in Title 47 U.S.C. Sec. 230(f)(2);
(b) A mobile telecommunications service provider, as defined in RCW 82.04.065; or
(c) A telecommunications network or broadband provider.
[ 2026 c 114 s 2; 2025 c 51 s 2. Prior: 2004 c 124 s 1; 2004 c 11 s 2; 2003 c 53 s 79.]

Notes

Effective date—2004 c 124: "This act takes effect July 1, 2004." [ 2004 c 124 s 2.]
Effective date—2004 c 11: See note following RCW 9A.60.040.
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 § 9A.60.045

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9A.60.045 cover?

Section 9A.60.045 ("Criminal impersonation in the second degree.") 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.60.045?

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Is this the official text of Washington law?

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