Non-Monogamous Families and the Law, Part 48: Summary of Washington Laws

Non-Monogamous Families and the Law, Part 48: Summary of Washington Laws

Adultery:

Washington has no adultery or fornication laws.

Bigamy:

Bigamy in Washington has a purportation clause, and is applicable to both marryer and marryee (Washington State Legislature, 2011f). Bigamy is considered a class C felony (Washington State Legislature, 2011f), punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000 (Washington State Legislature, 2011b). Inchoate attempt, conspiracy and solicitation apply with liability as a gross misdemeanor (Washington State Legislature, 2011c; Washington State Legislature, 2011d; Washington State Legislature, 2011e), punishable by imprisonment for up to 364 days and a fine up to $5,000 (Washington State Legislature, 2011b). Complicity is liable at the same level as bigamy (Washington State Legislature, 2011a). Repeat escalation appears to not apply.

Round-Up of Laws:

With the absence of adultery and fornication, unmarried and dyadic non-monogamists have no criminal liability in Washington. Non-dyadic non-monogamists need to take care of the purportation law, as liability from that law could extend to them.

Non-Monogamous Strategies:

Because of the purportation clause in bigamy, non-dyadic non-monogamists need to be careful with public image to minimize their liability under bigamy. If successful, non-dyadic non-monogamists enjoy the same nonexistent criminal liability as unmarried and dyadic non-monogamists.

References

Washington State Legislature. (2012a). Liability for conduct of another – Complicity. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.08.020). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.

Washington State Legislature. (2012b). Maximum sentences for crimes committed July 1, 1984, and after. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.20.021). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.

Washington State Legislature. (2012c). Criminal attempt. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.28.020). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.

Washington State Legislature. (2012d). Criminal solicitation. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.28.030). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.

Washington State Legislature. (2012e). Criminal conspiracy. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.28.040). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.

Washington State Legislature. (2012f). Bigamy. (Revised Code of Washington 9A.64.010). Olympia, WA: Washington State Legislature.