Chelan County, WA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 7.32.180, Chelan County Code
- Standard
- Unlawful purpose or reasonable alarm required
- Due-process safeguard
- Chance to explain before arrest or conviction
- Maximum penalty
- 90 days jail or $300 fine
- Related provision
- § 7.32.190 bars loitering on school grounds
Summary
In unincorporated Chelan County, loitering or prowling in a place, time or manner that manifests an unlawful purpose or creates reasonable alarm for public safety is a misdemeanor under § 7.32.180. The code builds in a due-process safeguard: officers must give a person a chance to explain their presence before an arrest can stand.
Any person who loiters or prowls in a place, at a time, or in a manner, and under circumstances that manifest an unlawful purpose or warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such unlawful purpose is manifested or such alarm is warranted include, but are not limited to, the following: flight by the actor upon appearance of a law enforcement officer, refusal to identify himself, or manifestly endeavoring to conceal himself or any object. No arrest shall be made under this section nor shall any person be convicted of violating this section unless such person is first afforded, if practical under the circumstances, an opportunity to dispel any alarm or suspicion of unlawful purpose which would otherwise be warranted, by identifying himself and explaining his presence and conduct. ... Every person convicted of a misdemeanor shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety days, or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars or both.
Full Breakdown
180 of the Chelan County Code criminalizes loitering or prowling only when the circumstances manifest an unlawful purpose or warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property nearby. The code lists factors that can support that finding, including flight by a person upon a law enforcement officer's appearance, refusal to identify oneself, or manifestly trying to conceal oneself or an object. The chapter builds in real protection for ordinary conduct: no arrest may be made, and no person may be convicted, unless that person is first given a practical opportunity to dispel the alarm or suspicion by identifying themselves and explaining their presence and conduct.
A conviction is likewise barred if, at trial, the explanation the person gave was true and, had the arresting officer believed it at the time, would have dispelled the suspicion. 32's older criminal code, adopted originally by Resolution 658-E in 1970 and still enforced by the Sheriff's Office and county prosecutor. 190, separately criminalizes loitering on school grounds without a lawful purpose by anyone other than students, parents, guardians or school employees. 380: up to ninety days in the county jail, a fine of up to three hundred dollars, or both.
Violations & Fines
Loitering that manifests an unlawful purpose or creates reasonable alarm, and that the person cannot explain when asked by an officer, is a misdemeanor under § 7.32.180. Chapter 7.32's general penalty section, § 7.32.380, punishes any misdemeanor in the chapter, loitering included, with up to ninety days in the county jail, a fine of up to three hundred dollars, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be arrested just for standing around in Chelan County?
What is the penalty for a loitering conviction in unincorporated Chelan County?
Is loitering on school property treated differently?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelan County
Compare Chelan County to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview
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