Wash. Rev. Code » Title 9A · Chapter 9A.72
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160 (2026)

Intimidating a judge

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) A person is guilty of intimidating a judge if a person directs a threat to a judge because of a ruling or decision of the judge in any official proceeding, or if by use of a threat directed to a judge, a person attempts to influence a ruling or decision of the judge in any official proceeding.
(2) "Threat" as used in this section means:
(a) To communicate, directly or indirectly, the intent immediately to use force against any person who is present at the time; or
(b) Threats as defined in RCW 9A.04.110(28).
(3) Intimidating a judge is a class B felony.
[ 2023 c 102 s 38; 1985 c 327 s 1.]

Notes:

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 32 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1991–2021 · leading case: State v. Hansen, 862 P.2d 117 (Wash. 1993).
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State v. Hansen, 862 P.2d 117 (Wash. 1993). · cites it 103× “Youtz testified during the trial that he "was convinced that some action very well could be taken against these individuals, the prosecutor, the judge and the public defender, and that I was — it was that concern that helped me call them and warn them." Report of Proceedings, at…”
State v. Knowles, 957 P.2d 797 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 10× “— Veryl Edward Knowles challenges his conviction for intimidating a judge under RCW 9A.72.160, arguing that the statute is unconstitutionally overbroad.”
State v. Kepiro, 810 P.2d 19 (Wash. Ct. App. 1991). · cites it 16× “Bertram Alexander Kepiro appeals his conviction under RCW 9A.72.160 on one count of intimidating a judge.”
State v. J.M., 28 P.3d 720 (Wash. 2001). · cites it 2× “” “Threat” is defined for purposes of the statute to include direct and indirect communications of intent to use force, as well as direct and indirect communications of intent to cause injury.”
State v. Avila, 102 Wash. App. 882 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). · cites it 4× “, through a third person, because of an official ruling or decision by that particular judge, is chargeable under RCW 9A.72.160. The threat may ultimately find its way to the judge, but that is irrelevant with regards to the commission of the crime.”
State v. Avila, 10 P.3d 486 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). · cites it 4× “, through a third person, because of an official ruling or decision by that particular judge, is chargeable under RCW 9A.72.160. The threat may ultimately find its way to the judge, but that is irrelevant with regards to the commission of the crime.”
State v. Ozuna, 359 P.3d 739 (Wash. 2015). · cites it 3× “” ¶19 This court has not previously interpreted the intimidating a former witness statute, RCW 9A.”
State v. Hansen, 837 P.2d 651 (Wash. Ct. App. 1992). · cites it 10× “Michael Ross Hansen appeals from his conviction on one count of intimidating a judge, RCW 9A.72.160. Hansen contends that the trial court erred in finding that he had "directed] a threat to a judge" within the meaning of the statute.”
State v. Edwards, 924 P.2d 397 (Wash. Ct. App. 1996). · cites it 3× “2d 19 (1991), the court analyzed an analogous statute, RCW 9A.72.160, 2 which criminalizes intimidation of judges.”
State v. Talley, 858 P.2d 217 (Wash. 2005). “130, and judges, RCW 9A.72.160. When criminal conduct is aimed at individuals because of their particular status, the State may legitimately conclude that there is greater harm justifying greater punishment.”
State v. Stephenson, 950 P.2d 38 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 2× “160 provides: (1) A person is guilty of intimidating a judge if a person directs a threat to a judge because of a ruling or decision of the judge in any official proceeding, or if by use of a threat directed to a judge, a person attempts to influence a ruling or decision of the…”
State v. Stephenson, 950 P.2d 38 (Wash. Ct. App. 1998). · cites it 2× “[4] RCW 9A.72.160 provides: (1) A person is guilty of intimidating a judge if a person directs a threat to a judge because of a ruling or decision of the judge in any official proceeding, or if by use of a threat directed to a judge, a person attempts to influence a ruling or…”
Show all 32 citing cases →
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160(1) — 17 cases
State v. Hansen, 862 P.2d 117 (Wash. 1993). “Youtz testified during the trial that he "was convinced that some action very well could be taken against these individuals, the prosecutor, the judge and the public defender, and that I was — it was that concern that helped me call them and warn them." Report of Proceedings, at…”
State v. J.M., 28 P.3d 720 (Wash. 2001). “” “Threat” is defined for purposes of the statute to include direct and indirect communications of intent to use force, as well as direct and indirect communications of intent to cause injury.”
State v. Avila, 102 Wash. App. 882 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). “, through a third person, because of an official ruling or decision by that particular judge, is chargeable under RCW 9A.72.160. The threat may ultimately find its way to the judge, but that is irrelevant with regards to the commission of the crime.”
State v. Avila, 10 P.3d 486 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). “, through a third person, because of an official ruling or decision by that particular judge, is chargeable under RCW 9A.72.160. The threat may ultimately find its way to the judge, but that is irrelevant with regards to the commission of the crime.”
State v. Anderson, 111 Wash. App. 317 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160(2) — 2 cases
State v. J.M., 28 P.3d 720 (Wash. 2001). “” “Threat” is defined for purposes of the statute to include direct and indirect communications of intent to use force, as well as direct and indirect communications of intent to cause injury.”
State v. JM, 28 P.3d 720 (Wash. 2001).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160(2)(a) — 1 case
State v. Hansen, 862 P.2d 117 (Wash. 1993). “Youtz testified during the trial that he "was convinced that some action very well could be taken against these individuals, the prosecutor, the judge and the public defender, and that I was — it was that concern that helped me call them and warn them." Report of Proceedings, at…”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160(2)(b) — 4 cases
State v. Side, 105 Wash. App. 787 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001).
State v. Side, 21 P.3d 321 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001).
State of Washington v. Sloan Patrick Stanley (Wash. Ct. App. 2021).
State of Washington v. Sloan Patrick Stanley (Wash. Ct. App. 2021).
— Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.72.160(3) — 1 case
State Of Washington v. Joel Christopher Holmes (Wash. Ct. App. 2014).
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