State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Washington > Title-9a > 9a-42 > 9a-42-050Defense of financial inability.
In any prosecution for criminal mistreatment, it shall be a defense that the withholding of the basic necessities of life is due to financial inability only if the person charged has made a reasonable effort to obtain adequate assistance. This defense is available to a person employed to provide the basic necessities of life only when the agreed-upon payment has not been made.
[1997 c 392 § 509; 1986 c 250 § 5.]
Notes: Short title -- Findings -- Construction -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Part headings and captions not law -- 1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.
