Washington’s sex offenders law is also known as the Community Protection Act of 1990. The law ensures that persons convicted of a sexual offense register with the local enforcement authority. The law took effect from February 28, 1990.
The Community Protection Act has the requirements for the registration of sex offenders in Washington. The duration of registration and frequency of verification depends on the requirements of the law.
The major aim of this law is to protect residents of the state from the menace of convicted sex offenders. The law ensures local police alerts the people whenever a sex offender moves into their neighborhood.
Washington Sex Offender Registry
Washington's sex offender registry has all information on sex offenders in Washington. The registry updates this information and stores it on their official website. Residents of the state can access this information through the registry’s website.
Washington Sex Offender Facts
Facts
- There are 5,525 registered sex offenders in Washington
Top Offenses
- 9A.44.083 - Child molestation in the first degree
- 9A.44.130(11)(A) - Sex offender - felony - fail to register
- 9A.44.073 - Rape of a child in the first degree
- 9A.44.079 - Rape of a child in the third degree
- 9.68A.090 - Communication with minor for immoral purposes
Counties in Washington with the highest number of offenders:
- King County
- Pierce County
- Snohomish County
- Spokane County
- Yakima County
Zip Codes in Washington with the highest number of offenders:
- 98201
- 98104
- 98168
- 98502
- 98271
- 99201
- 98902
- 98405
- 98584
- 98632
Nearby States:
Washington Sex Crimes Requiring Offender Registration
Rape in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.040 (West 2008).
Rape in the second degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.050 (West 2008).
Rape in the third degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.060 (West 2008).
Rape of a child in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.073 (West 2008).
Rape of a child in the second degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.076 (West 2008).
Rape of a child in the third degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.079 (West 2008).
Child molestation in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.083 (West 2008).
Child molestation in the second degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.086 (West 2008).
Child molestation in the third degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.089 (West 2008).
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.093 (West 2008).
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.096 (West 2008).
Indecent liberties - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.100 (West 2008).
Sexually violating human remains - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.105 (West 2008).
Voyeurism - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.115 (West 2008).
Custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.44.160 (West 2008).
Communication with minor for immoral purposes - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9.68A.090 (West 2008).
Kidnapping in the first degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.40.020 (West 2008).
Kidnapping in the second degree - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.40.030 (West 2008).
Unlawful imprisonment (where the victim is a minor and the offender is not the minor's parent) - WASH. REV. CODE ANN. § 9A.40.040 (West 2008).
A criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit an offense that is classified as a sex offense.
Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be classified as a sex offense under this subsection.
Any gross misdemeanor that is a criminal attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a sex offense.
Information maintained in Washington Sex Offender Registry
WA. ST. § 9A.44. 130 (West 2008)
(3)
(a) The person shall provide the following information when registering: (i) Name; (ii) complete residential address; (iii) date and place of birth; (iv) place of employment; (v) crime for which convicted; (vi) date and place of conviction; (vii) aliases used; (viii) social security number; (ix) photograph; and (x) fingerprints.
(b) Any person who lacks a fixed residence shall provide the following information when registering: (i)
Name; (ii) date and place of birth; (iii) place of employment; (iv) crime for which convicted; (v) date and place of conviction; (vi) aliases used; (vii) social security number; (viii) photograph; (ix) fingerprints; and (x) where he or she plans to stay.
Community Notification and Websites
WA. ST. § 4.24.550 (West 2008)
(1) Public agencies are authorized to release information to the public regarding sex offenders and kidnapping offenders when the agency determines that disclosure of the information is relevant and necessary to protect the public and counteract the danger created by the particular offender.
(5) (a) When funded by federal grants or other sources, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall create and maintain a statewide registered kidnapping and sex offender website, which shall be available to the public. The website shall post all level III and level II registered sex offenders and all registered kidnapping offenders in the state of Washington.
Limitations on Residency or Employment
None
Duration of Registration
WA. ST. § 9A.44.140 (West 2008)
(5)(b) 10 years for persons convicted of a class C felony, but only if they do not have 1 or more prior sex offense of kidnapping convictions and have not been convicted of any offense during those 10 years.
15 years for persons convicted of a class B felony, but only if they do no have 1 or more prior sex offense or kidnapping convictions and have not been convicted of any offense during those 15 years.
A registrant may petition for removal from the registry after 10 years if:
They are not a sexually violent predator;
They were not convicted of a class A sex offense or kidnapping by forcible compulsion; and
They were not convicted of an aggravated offense, or more than 1 sexually violent offense committed after March 12, 2002.
Life for persons:
Convicted of an aggravated offense after March 12, 2002;
Convicted of a sexually violent offense against a minor after March 12, 2002.
Timeframe for Registration
Within 24 hours of release, immediately if not confined; 30 days of becoming new state resident; 10 days of moving
Applies to Offenders Convicted in another State?
Yes, and to those convicted under laws of the foreign country or the military
Verification of Address
No
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Class C felony if Class A felony offense; otherwise gross misdemeanor
What does a Sex Offender Look Like?
Most people think sexual predators are scary-looking and creepy. But three out of four adolescents who were sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well.
Most of the time, sexual predators look like regular people. Children and parents need to know and to understand that anyone can be a sexual predator, no matter how "normal" they appear.
Encouraging Children to Share
It isn't always easy to build a trusting relationship with your child. Trying to get your children to share what is going on in their lives can be difficult.
Building an open and welcoming environment from the beginning stages of a child's life is essential. Children are less intimidated and more likely to discuss issues and topics in their lives with an open and supportive environment.
Getting your kids to share serves as a building block for times when your child needs to discuss pressing issues like sex and sexual abuse.
Free Parental eBook
KidsLiveSafe put together a comprehensive parents guide about sexual predators and keeping children safe. This free online eBook includes vital statistics, how to tell if a predator is victimizing a child, and social media and cyber-bullying.