RCW 10.37.050
Indictment or information—Sufficiency.
The indictment or information is sufficient if it can be understood therefrom—
(1) That it is entitled in a court having authority to receive it;
(2) That it was found by a grand jury or prosecuting attorney of the county in which the court was held;
(3) That the defendant is named, or if his or her name cannot be discovered, that he or she is described by a fictitious name or by reference to a unique genetic sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid, with the statement that his or her real name is unknown;
(4) That the crime was committed within the jurisdiction of the court, except where, as provided by law, the act, though done without the county in which the court is held, is triable therein;
(5) That the crime was committed at some time previous to the finding of the indictment or filing of the information, and within the time limited by law for the commencement of an action therefor;
(6) That the act or omission charged as the crime is clearly and distinctly set forth in ordinary and concise language, without repetition, and in such a manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended;
(7) The act or omission charged as the crime is stated with such a degree of certainty as to enable the court to pronounce judgment upon a conviction according to the right of the case.
[ 2010 c 8 § 1037; 2000 c 92 § 3; 1891 c 28 § 29; Code 1881 § 1014; 1873 p 226 § 197; 1869 p 242 § 192; RRS § 2065. FORMER PARTS OF SECTION: (i) 1891 c 28 § 20; Code 1881 § 1004; 1873 p 224 § 187; 1869 p 240 § 182; RRS § 2055, now codified as RCW 10.37.052. (ii) 1891 c 28 § 22; Code 1881 § 1006; 1873 p 225 § 189; 1854 p 112 § 61; 1869 p 241 § 184; RRS § 2057, now codified as RCW 10.37.054. (iii) 1891 c 28 § 30; Code 1881 § 1015; 1873 p 227 § 198; 1869 p 242 § 193; RRS § 2066, now codified as RCW 10.37.056.]
NOTES:
Intent—2000 c 92: See note following RCW 10.73.170.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 10.37 - Accusations and Their Requisites.
10.37.010 - Pleadings required in criminal proceedings.
10.37.015 - Charge by information or indictment—Exceptions.
10.37.050 - Indictment or information—Sufficiency.
10.37.052 - Indictment or information—Requisites.
10.37.054 - Indictment or information—Certainty.
10.37.056 - Indictment or information—Certain defects or imperfections deemed immaterial.
10.37.060 - Indictment or information—Separation into counts—Consolidation.
10.37.070 - Animals—Description of.
10.37.080 - Forgery—Description of instrument.
10.37.090 - Injury to person or intention concerning.
10.37.100 - Judgment, how pleaded.
10.37.110 - Larceny or embezzlement—Specification.
10.37.130 - Obscene literature—Description.
10.37.140 - Perjury—Subornation of perjury—Description of matter.
10.37.150 - Presumptions of law need not be stated.
10.37.160 - Statute—Exact words need not be used.