Washington’s Accomplice Liability Law

It’s a question many people never think to ask—until it’s too late. If someone borrows your car and commits a crime, can you be held responsible just because the vehicle is registered to you? In Washington, the answer depends on what you knew, what you intended, and what role—if any—you played in the events.

Let’s break down how accomplice liability law, aiding and abetting, and vehicle ownership interact under Washington law.

Washington’s Accomplice Liability Law

Under RCW 9A.08.020, Washington law holds people criminally responsible not just for the crimes they commit, but also for crimes they assist, encourage, or help plan. This is known as accomplice liability law.

You can be charged as an accomplice if you:

  • Knowingly aid or assist another person in committing a crime
  • Solicit, encourage, or agree to help them
  • Provide tools, information, or support—even indirectly

Importantly, the law does not require you to be physically present at the scene of the crime. If prosecutors believe you knew what the other person intended to do and you helped them in some way, even passively, they can try to charge you as if you committed the crime yourself.

Does That Include Lending a Car?

Maybe. Lending someone your car is not illegal on its own. But if you knew—or had strong reason to believe—they were going to use the car to commit a crime, prosecutors may argue that you aided or abetted the crime by giving them the means to do it.

For example, if you handed your friend the keys knowing they planned to:

  • Drive to commit a robbery
  • Transport stolen property
  • Deliver drugs
  • Flee from police or violate a court order

Then yes—you could potentially be charged under accomplice liability.

But if you genuinely had no idea the person planned to break the law, and you loaned your car in good faith, you are generally not criminally responsible for what they did.

What About “Permitting Use of a Vehicle”?

Washington also has laws that target people who knowingly allow their vehicles to be used in connection with a crime. For example:

  • RCW 46.61.500 prohibits allowing an unauthorized person to drive
  • Other statutes penalize letting someone use your vehicle for drug activity, especially if it’s repeated or for profit

In some cases, your car could even be subject to civil forfeiture, meaning the state could try to seize it as “property used in the commission of a crime.”

What Prosecutors Must Prove

To charge you as an accomplice or co-defendant, prosecutors must usually prove:

  • You knew the person intended to commit a crime
  • You knowingly helped, encouraged, or facilitated the crime
  • Your actions were more than just being present or passively involved

Mere ownership of the vehicle—without more—is not enough.

Common Scenarios We See

  • “I loaned my boyfriend my car and he got caught with drugs in it.”
    If you didn’t know he had drugs, you’re likely not liable—but your car could still be seized or searched.
  • “I knew my cousin was going to confront someone, but I didn’t think it would turn violent.”
    If you drove him there knowing violence was likely, that could expose you to charges—especially if weapons were involved.
  • “I wasn’t there, but they used my car in a burglary.”
    Again, it depends on what you knew and whether you intentionally helped.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Be cautious about who you let borrow your vehicle
  • If you suspect someone might use your car illegally, say no—and document it
  • Never lend your car to someone without a valid license or to someone who is under the influence
  • If police contact you about your vehicle being used in a crime, don’t answer questions without legal counsel

How We Can Help

At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we defend clients accused of crimes they never committed—often because of association, poor judgment, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you’re being investigated or charged based on someone else’s actions with your vehicle, we can help assert your rights, challenge false assumptions, and protect your record.

Don’t let someone else’s mistake become your criminal charge. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.