FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6177

C 11 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Increasing penalties for criminal impersonation.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, Brandland and Winsley.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background: Criminal impersonation in the first degree is the crime of assuming falsely the identity of another and acting with the intent to defraud. Criminal impersonation in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Criminal impersonation in the second degree is the crime of either claiming to be a law enforcement officer or falsely creating the impression that one is a law enforcement officer, and acting in a manner such that a reasonable person would falsely believe one to be a law enforcement officer. Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.

Summary: The penalties for criminal impersonation are enhanced. Criminal impersonation in the first degree is an unranked class C felony, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000. Criminal impersonation in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       94  0

Effective: July 1, 2004