RCW 9A.42.070
Abandonment of a dependent person in the second 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 second 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; and
(b) The person recklessly abandons the child or other dependent person; and:
(i) As a result of being abandoned, the child or other dependent person suffers substantial bodily harm; or
(ii) Abandoning the child or other dependent person creates an imminent and substantial risk that the child or other dependent person will die or suffer 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 second degree is a class C felony.
[ 2006 c 228 § 7; 2002 c 331 § 4; 1996 c 302 § 3.]
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.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 9A - Washington Criminal Code
Chapter 9A.42 - Criminal Mistreatment.
9A.42.005 - Findings and intent—Christian Science treatment—Rules of evidence.
9A.42.020 - Criminal mistreatment in the first degree.
9A.42.030 - Criminal mistreatment in the second degree.
9A.42.035 - Criminal mistreatment in the third degree.
9A.42.037 - Criminal mistreatment in the fourth degree.
9A.42.039 - Arresting officer, notification by.
9A.42.040 - Withdrawal of life support systems.
9A.42.050 - Defense of financial inability.
9A.42.060 - Abandonment of a dependent person in the first degree—Exception.
9A.42.070 - Abandonment of a dependent person in the second degree—Exception.
9A.42.080 - Abandonment of a dependent person in the third degree—Exception.
9A.42.090 - Abandonment of a dependent person—Defense.