Final answer:
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree (RCW 9A.44.096) in Washington State is a sexual offense where an adult has sexual contact with a minor aged between 12 and 16, with the adult being at least 60 months older and not married to the victim.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree (RCW 9A.44.096) refers to a specific legal charge in the Washington State criminal code. It is defined as a person who is at least 18 years of age having sexual contact with someone who is at least 12 years old but not older than 16, where the perpetrator is at least 60 months older than the victim and not married to the victim. This falls under sexual offense laws and can lead to severe consequences, including a criminal record, imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. The charge is aimed at protecting minors from predatory behavior by adults who have a significant age difference with the minor and are in a position to manipulate or coerce them into sexual activities.