Wash. Rev. Code » Title 9 · Chapter 9.68
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 9.68.140 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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A person who, for profit-making purposes and with knowledge, sells, exhibits, displays, or produces any lewd matter as defined in RCW 7.48A.010 is guilty of promoting pornography. Promoting pornography is a class C felony and shall bear the punishment and fines prescribed for that class of felony. In imposing the criminal penalty, the court shall consider the wilfulness of the defendant's conduct and the profits made by the defendant attributable to the felony. All fines assessed under this chapter shall be paid into the general treasury of the state.
[ 1985 c 235 s 3; 1982 c 184 s 8.]

Notes:

Severability—1985 c 235: See note following RCW 7.48A.040.
Class C felony—Authorized sentence: RCW 9A.20.020.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases, 1987–2008 · leading case: State v. Reece, 757 P.2d 947 (Wash. 1988).
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State v. Reece, 757 P.2d 947 (Wash. 1988). · cites it 34× “These two cases concern the constitutionality of Washington's criminal obscenity statute, RCW 9.68.140, and the definition of "lewd matter" it incorporates from RCW 7.”
State v. J-R Distributors, Inc., 765 P.2d 281 (Wash. 1988). · cites it 16× “On October 13, 1986, J-R filed a motion for return of property in Seattle District Court.”
State v. Bahl, 193 P.3d 678 (Wash. 2008). “" RCW 9.68.140 makes it illegal to "promot[e] pornography": "A person who, for profit-making purposes and with knowledge, sells, exhibits, displays, or produces any lewd matter as defined in RCW 7.”
State v. Bahl, 164 Wash. 2d 739 (Wash. 2008). “” RCW 9.68.140 makes it illegal to “promot[e] pornography”: “A person who, for profit-making purposes and with knowledge, sells, exhibits, displays, or produces any lewd matter as defined in RCW 7.”
State v. Holt, 783 P.2d 87 (Wash. Ct. App. 1989). · cites it 2× “RCW 9.68.140. Holt and Alanjian operated "adult" bookstores.”
State v. Hayes, 738 P.2d 276 (Wash. 1987). “Hayes, is charged with four counts of promoting pornography under RCW 9.68.140, which incorporates RCW 7.48A.”
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