Chapter 9.69 RCW

DUTY OF WITNESSES

Sections

HTMLPDF 9.69.100Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offensePenalty.

NOTES:

Labor and industries officer, disobeying subpoena to appear before: RCW 43.22.300.
Legislative hearings, failure to obey subpoena or testify: RCW 44.16.120 through 44.16.150.
Obstructing governmental operation: Chapter 9A.76 RCW.
Wills, fraudulently failing to deliver: RCW 11.20.010.


Duty of witness of offense against child or any violent offensePenalty.

(1) A person who witnesses the actual commission of:
(a) A violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 or preparations for the commission of such an offense;
(b) A sexual offense against a child or an attempt to commit such a sexual offense; or
(c) An assault of a child that appears reasonably likely to cause substantial bodily harm to the child,
shall as soon as reasonably possible notify the prosecuting attorney, law enforcement, medical assistance, or other public officials.
(2) This section shall not be construed to affect privileged relationships as provided by law.
(3) The duty to notify a person or agency under this section is met if a person notifies or attempts to provide such notice by telephone or any other means as soon as reasonably possible.
(4) Failure to report as required by subsection (1) of this section is a gross misdemeanor. However, a person is not required to report under this section where that person has a reasonable belief that making such a report would place that person or another family or household member in danger of immediate physical harm.

NOTES:

Effective date1987 c 503: See RCW 74.14B.902.
SeverabilityEffective date1985 c 443: See notes following RCW 7.69.010.
Severability1970 ex.s. c 49: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1970 ex.s. c 49 § 9.]
Abuse of children: Chapter 26.44 RCW.