2011 Washington Code
Title 9A Washington criminal code
9A.42 Criminal mistreatment.
9A.42.060 Abandonment of a dependent person in the first degree -- Exception.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person is guilty of the crime of abandonment of a dependent person in the first degree if:

     (a) The person is the parent of a child, a person entrusted with the physical custody of a child or other dependent person, a person who has assumed the responsibility to provide to a dependent person the basic necessities of life, or a person employed to provide to the child or other dependent person any of the basic necessities of life;

     (b) The person recklessly abandons the child or other dependent person; and

     (c) As a result of being abandoned, the child or other dependent person suffers great bodily harm.

     (2) A parent of a newborn who transfers the newborn to a qualified person at an appropriate location pursuant to RCW 13.34.360 is not subject to criminal liability under this section.

     (3) Abandonment of a dependent person in the first degree is a class B felony.

[2006 c 228 § 6; 2002 c 331 § 3; 1996 c 302 § 2.]

Notes:

     Intent -- Effective date -- 2002 c 331: See notes following RCW 13.34.360.

     Severability -- 1996 c 302: See note following RCW 9A.42.010.