Every person charged with the commission of a crime shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by competent evidence beyond a reasonable doubt; and when an offense has been proved against him or her, and there exists a reasonable doubt as to which of two or more degrees he or she is guilty, he or she shall be convicted only of the lowest.
[ 2010 c 8 § 1053; 1909 c 249 § 56; 1891 c 28 § 91; Code 1881 § 767; 1854 p 76 § 3; RRS § 2308. Formerly RCW 10.58.020 and 10.61.020.]

NOTES:

Conviction of attempts or lesser or included crimes: RCW 10.61.003, 10.61.006, 10.61.010.

Terms Used In Washington Code 10.58.020

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
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