Wash. Rev. Code » Title 70 · Chapter 70.74
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 70.74.280 (2026)

Malicious explosion of a substance—Penalties

✓ current as of May 2026
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A person who maliciously, by the explosion of gunpowder or any other explosive substance or material, destroy or damage any building, car, airplane, vessel, common carrier, railroad track, or public utility transmission system or structure is guilty of:
(1) Malicious explosion of a substance in the first degree if the offense is committed with intent to commit a terrorist act. Malicious explosion of a substance in the first degree is a class A felony;
(2) Malicious explosion of a substance in the second degree if the offense is committed under circumstances not amounting to malicious explosion of a substance in the first degree and if thereby the life or safety of a human being is endangered. Malicious explosion of a substance in the second degree is a class A felony;
(3) Malicious explosion of a substance in the third degree if the offense is committed under circumstances not amounting to malicious explosion of a substance in the first or second degree. Malicious explosion of a substance in the third degree is a class B felony.
[ 1997 c 120 s 3; 1992 c 7 s 50; 1971 ex.s. c 302 s 9; 1969 ex.s. c 137 s 24; 1909 c 249 s 401; RRS s 2653.]

Notes:

Severability—1971 ex.s. c 302: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1963–2022 · leading case: State v. Keating, 378 P.2d 703 (Wash. 1963).
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State v. Keating, 378 P.2d 703 (Wash. 1963). · cites it 2× “Defendant was convicted of the crime of maliciously damaging a building by explosion, a felony under RCW 70.74.280. 1 Upon appeal, defendant assigns error to the reception *453 in evidence of his confession and tape recorded admissions.”
State Of Washington, V. Ronald J. Bianchi (Wash. Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 4× “” RCW 70.74.280. The statute does not require injury.”
State v. Koser, 458 P.2d 27 (Wash. 1969). “270); and count 3 with the offense of damaging buildings by explosives (RCW 70.74.280). Defendant pleaded not guilty and a jury found him guilty on each count.”
Writ of Habeas Corpus of Koser v. Smith, 529 P.2d 893 (Wash. Ct. App. 1974). · cites it 9× “270); and count 3 with the offense of damaging buildings by explosives (RCW 70.74.280). All counts concerned a single explosion in which no one was injured.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 70.74.280(2) — 1 case
State Of Washington, V. Ronald J. Bianchi (Wash. Ct. App. 2022). “” RCW 70.74.280. The statute does not require injury.”
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