title: RCW 9.94A.030

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Board" means the indeterminate sentence review board created under chapter 9.95 RCW.
(2) "Collect," or any derivative thereof, "collect and remit," or "collect and deliver," when used with reference to the department, means that the department, either directly or through a collection agreement authorized by RCW 9.94A.760, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the offender's sentence with regard to the legal financial obligation, receiving payment thereof from the offender, and, consistent with current law, delivering daily the entire payment to the superior court clerk without depositing it in a departmental account.
(3) "Commission" means the sentencing guidelines commission.
(4) "Community corrections officer" means an employee of the department who is responsible for carrying out specific duties in supervision of sentenced offenders and monitoring of sentence conditions.
(5) "Community custody" means that portion of an offender's sentence of confinement in lieu of earned release time or imposed as part of a sentence under this chapter and served in the community subject to controls placed on the offender's movement and activities by the department.
(6) "Community protection zone" means the area within 880 feet of the facilities and grounds of a public or private school.
(7) "Community restitution" means compulsory service, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the offender.
(8) "Confinement" means total or partial confinement.
(9) "Conviction" means an adjudication of guilt pursuant to Title 10 or 13 RCW and includes a verdict of guilty, a finding of guilty, and acceptance of a plea of guilty.
(10) "Crime-related prohibition" means an order of a court prohibiting conduct that directly relates to the circumstances of the crime for which the offender has been convicted, and shall not be construed to mean orders directing an offender affirmatively to participate in rehabilitative programs or to otherwise perform affirmative conduct. However, affirmative acts necessary to monitor compliance with the order of a court may be required by the department.
(11) "Criminal history" means the list of a defendant's prior convictions and juvenile adjudications, whether in this state, in federal court, or elsewhere, and any issued certificates of restoration of opportunity pursuant to RCW 9.97.020.
(a) The history shall include, where known, for each conviction (i) whether the defendant has been placed on probation and the length and terms thereof; and (ii) whether the defendant has been incarcerated and the length of incarceration.
(b) A conviction may be removed from a defendant's criminal history only if it is vacated pursuant to RCW 9.96.060, 9.94A.640, 9.95.240, or a similar out-of-state statute, or if the conviction has been vacated pursuant to a governor's pardon. However, when a defendant is charged with a recidivist offense, "criminal history" includes a vacated prior conviction for the sole purpose of establishing that such vacated prior conviction constitutes an element of the present recidivist offense as provided in RCW 9.94A.640(4)(b) and 9.96.060(8)(c).
(c) The determination of a defendant's criminal history is distinct from the determination of an offender score. A prior conviction that was not included in an offender score calculated pursuant to a former version of the sentencing reform act remains part of the defendant's criminal history.
(12) "Criminal street gang" means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, having as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal acts, and whose members or associates individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal street gang activity. This definition does not apply to employees engaged in concerted activities for their mutual aid and protection, or to the activities of labor and bona fide nonprofit organizations or their members or agents.
(13) "Criminal street gang associate or member" means any person who actively participates in any criminal street gang and who intentionally promotes, furthers, or assists in any criminal act by the criminal street gang.
(14) "Criminal street gang-related offense" means any felony or misdemeanor offense, whether in this state or elsewhere, that is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, or is committed with the intent to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct by the gang, or is committed for one or more of the following reasons:
(a) To gain admission, prestige, or promotion within the gang;
(b) To increase or maintain the gang's size, membership, prestige, dominance, or control in any geographical area;
(c) To exact revenge or retribution for the gang or any member of the gang;
(d) To obstruct justice, or intimidate or eliminate any witness against the gang or any member of the gang;
(e) To directly or indirectly cause any benefit, aggrandizement, gain, profit, or other advantage for the gang, its reputation, influence, or membership; or
(f) To provide the gang with any advantage in, or any control or dominance over any criminal market sector, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, delivering, or selling any controlled substance (chapter 69.50 RCW); arson (chapter 9A.48 RCW); trafficking in stolen property (chapter 9A.82 RCW); promoting prostitution (chapter 9A.88 RCW); human trafficking (RCW 9A.40.100); promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor (RCW 9.68A.101); or promoting pornography (chapter 9.68 RCW).
(15) "Day fine" means a fine imposed by the sentencing court that equals the difference between the offender's net daily income and the reasonable obligations that the offender has for the support of the offender and any dependents.
(16) "Day reporting" means a program of enhanced supervision designed to monitor the offender's daily activities and compliance with sentence conditions, and in which the offender is required to report daily to a specific location designated by the department or the sentencing court.
(17) "Department" means the department of corrections.
(18) "Determinate sentence" means a sentence that states with exactitude the number of actual years, months, or days of total confinement, of partial confinement, of community custody, the number of actual hours or days of community restitution work, or dollars or terms of a legal financial obligation. The fact that an offender through earned release can reduce the actual period of confinement shall not affect the classification of the sentence as a determinate sentence.
(19) "Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of an offender remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amount required by law to be withheld. For the purposes of this definition, "earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonuses, or otherwise, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law making the payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other process to satisfy a court-ordered legal financial obligation, specifically includes periodic payments pursuant to pension or retirement programs, or insurance policies of any type, but does not include payments made under Title 50 RCW, except as provided in RCW 50.40.020 and 50.40.050, or Title 74 RCW.
(20)(a) "Domestic violence" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 10.99.020.
(b) "Domestic violence" also means: (i) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in RCW 9A.46.110, of one intimate partner by another intimate partner as defined in RCW 10.99.020; or (ii) physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in RCW 9A.46.110, of one family or household member by another family or household member as defined in RCW 10.99.020.
(21) "Drug offender sentencing alternative" is a sentencing option available to persons convicted of a felony offense who are eligible for the option under RCW 9.94A.660.
(22) "Drug offender sentencing alternative for driving under the influence" is a sentencing option available to persons convicted of felony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug under RCW 46.61.502(6), or felony physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug under RCW 46.61.504(6) who are eligible under RCW 9.94A.661.
(23) "Drug offense" means:
(a) Any felony violation of chapter 69.50 RCW except possession of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.4013) or forged prescription for a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.403);
(b) Any offense defined as a felony under federal law that relates to the possession, manufacture, distribution, or transportation of a controlled substance; or
(c) Any out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a drug offense under (a) of this subsection.
(24) "Earned release" means earned release from confinement as provided in RCW 9.94A.728.
(25) "Electronic monitoring" means tracking the location of an individual through the use of technology that is capable of determining or identifying the monitored individual's presence or absence at a particular location including, but not limited to:
(a) Radio frequency signaling technology, which detects if the monitored individual is or is not at an approved location and notifies the monitoring agency of the time that the monitored individual either leaves the approved location or tampers with or removes the monitoring device; or
(b) Active or passive global positioning system technology, which detects the location of the monitored individual and notifies the monitoring agency of the monitored individual's location and which may also include electronic monitoring with victim notification technology that is capable of notifying a victim or protected party, either directly or through a monitoring agency, if the monitored individual enters within the restricted distance of a victim or protected party, or within the restricted distance of a designated location.
(26) "Escape" means:
(a) Sexually violent predator escape (RCW 9A.76.115), escape in the first degree (RCW 9A.76.110), escape in the second degree (RCW 9A.76.120), willful failure to return from furlough (*RCW 72.66.060), willful failure to return from work release (*RCW 72.65.070), or willful failure to be available for supervision by the department while in community custody (RCW 72.09.310); or
(b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as an escape under (a) of this subsection.
(27) "Felony traffic offense" means:
(a) Vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520), vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522), eluding a police officer (RCW 46.61.024), felony hit-and-run injury-accident (RCW 46.52.020(4)), felony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502(6)), or felony physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504(6)); or
(b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a felony traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.
(28) "Fine" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specific period of time.
(29) "First-time offender" means any person who has no prior convictions for a felony and is eligible for the first-time offender waiver under RCW 9.94A.650.
(30) "Home detention" is a subset of electronic monitoring and means a program of partial confinement available to offenders wherein the offender is confined in a private residence 24 hours a day, unless an absence from the residence is approved, authorized, or otherwise permitted in the order by the court or other supervising agency that ordered home detention, and the offender is subject to electronic monitoring.
(31) "Homelessness" or "homeless" means a condition where an individual lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and who has a primary nighttime residence that is:
(a) A supervised, publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;
(b) A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or
(c) A private residence where the individual stays as a transient invitee.
(32) "Legal financial obligation" means a sum of money that is ordered by a superior court of the state of Washington for legal financial obligations which may include restitution to the victim, statutorily imposed crime victims' compensation fees as assessed pursuant to RCW 7.68.035, court costs, county or interlocal drug funds, court-appointed attorneys' fees, and costs of defense, fines, and any other financial obligation that is assessed to the offender as a result of a felony conviction. Upon conviction for vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.522(1)(b), or vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.520(1)(a), legal financial obligations may also include payment to a public agency of the expense of an emergency response to the incident resulting in the conviction, subject to RCW 38.52.430.
(33) "Most serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to commit any of the following felonies:
(a) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;
(b) Assault in the second degree;
(c) Assault of a child in the second degree;
(d) Child molestation in the second degree;
(e) Controlled substance homicide;
(f) Extortion in the first degree;
(g) Incest when committed against a child under age 14;
(h) Indecent liberties;
(i) Kidnapping in the second degree;
(j) Leading organized crime;
(k) Manslaughter in the first degree;
(l) Manslaughter in the second degree;
(m) Promoting prostitution in the first degree;
(n) Rape in the third degree;
(o) Sexual exploitation;
(p) Vehicular assault, when caused by the operation or driving of a vehicle by a person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner;
(q) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;
(r) Any other class B felony offense with a finding of sexual motivation;
(s) Any other felony with a deadly weapon verdict under RCW 9.94A.825;
(t) Any felony offense in effect at any time prior to December 2, 1993, that is comparable to a most serious offense under this subsection, or any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a most serious offense under this subsection;
(u)(i) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (c), chapter 260, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. as it existed until July 1, 1979, RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (c) as it existed from July 1, 1979, until June 11, 1986, and RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (d) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988;
(ii) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988, if: (A) The crime was committed against a child under the age of 14; or (B) the relationship between the victim and perpetrator is included in the definition of indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from July 1, 1988, through July 27, 1997, or RCW 9A.44.100(1) (d) or (e) as it existed from July 25, 1993, through July 27, 1997;
(v) Any out-of-state conviction for a felony offense with a finding of sexual motivation if the minimum sentence imposed was 10 years or more; provided that the out-of-state felony offense must be comparable to a felony offense under this title and Title 9A RCW and the out-of-state definition of sexual motivation must be comparable to the definition of sexual motivation contained in this section.
(34) "Nonviolent offense" means an offense which is not a violent offense.
(35) "Offender" means a person who has committed a felony established by state law and is 18 years of age or older or is less than 18 years of age but whose case is under superior court jurisdiction under RCW 13.04.030 or has been transferred by the appropriate juvenile court to a criminal court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110. In addition, for the purpose of community custody requirements under this chapter, "offender" also means a misdemeanant or gross misdemeanant probationer ordered by a superior court to probation pursuant to RCW 9.92.060, 9.95.204, or 9.95.210 and supervised by the department pursuant to RCW 9.94A.501 and ** 9.94A.5011. Throughout this chapter, the terms "offender" and "defendant" are used interchangeably.
(36) "Partial confinement" means confinement up to 18 months in a facility or institution operated or utilized under contract by the state or any other unit of government, or, if home detention, electronic monitoring, or work crew has been ordered by the court or home detention has been ordered by the department as part of the parenting program or the graduated reentry program, in an approved residence, for a substantial portion of each day with the balance of the day spent in the community. Partial confinement includes work release, home detention, work crew, electronic monitoring, and a combination of work crew, electronic monitoring, and home detention.
(37) "Pattern of criminal street gang activity" means:
(a) The commission, attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation of, or any prior juvenile adjudication of or adult conviction of, two or more of the following criminal street gang-related offenses:
(i) Any "serious violent" felony offense as defined in this section, excluding Homicide by Abuse (RCW 9A.32.055) and Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120);
(ii) Any "violent" offense as defined by this section, excluding Assault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130);
(iii) Deliver or Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (chapter 69.50 RCW);
(iv) Any violation of the firearms and dangerous weapon act (chapter 9.41 RCW);
(v) Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300);
(vi) Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310);
(vii) Hate Crime (RCW 9A.36.080);
(viii) Harassment where a subsequent violation or deadly threat is made (RCW 9A.46.020(2)(b));
(ix) Criminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120);
(x) Any felony conviction by a person 18 years of age or older with a special finding of involving a juvenile in a felony offense under RCW 9.94A.833;
(xi) Residential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025);
(xii) Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030);
(xiii) Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070);
(xiv) Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080);
(xv) Theft of a Motor Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.065);
(xvi) Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.068);
(xvii) Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission 1 (RCW 9A.56.070);
(xviii) Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission 2 (RCW 9A.56.075);
(xix) Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120);
(xx) Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130);
(xxi) Intimidating a Witness (RCW 9A.72.110);
(xxii) Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120);
(xxiii) Reckless Endangerment (RCW 9A.36.050);
(xxiv) Coercion (RCW 9A.36.070);
(xxv) Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020); or
(xxvi) Malicious Mischief 3 (RCW 9A.48.090);
(b) That at least one of the offenses listed in (a) of this subsection shall have occurred after July 1, 2008;
(c) That the most recent committed offense listed in (a) of this subsection occurred within three years of a prior offense listed in (a) of this subsection; and
(d) Of the offenses that were committed in (a) of this subsection, the offenses occurred on separate occasions or were committed by two or more persons.
(38) "Persistent offender" is an offender who:
(a)(i) Has been convicted in this state of any felony considered a most serious offense; and
(ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (a) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least two separate occasions, whether in this state or elsewhere, of felonies that under the laws of this state would be considered most serious offenses and would be included in the offender score under RCW 9.94A.525; provided that of the two or more previous convictions, at least one conviction must have occurred before the commission of any of the other most serious offenses for which the offender was previously convicted; or
(b)(i) Has been convicted of: (A) Rape in the first degree, rape of a child in the first degree, child molestation in the first degree, rape in the second degree, rape of a child in the second degree, or indecent liberties by forcible compulsion; (B) any of the following offenses with a finding of sexual motivation: Murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, homicide by abuse, kidnapping in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, assault of a child in the first degree, assault of a child in the second degree, or burglary in the first degree; or (C) an attempt to commit any crime listed in this subsection (38)(b)(i); and
(ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (b)(i) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least one occasion, whether in this state or elsewhere, of an offense listed in (b)(i) of this subsection or any federal or out-of-state offense or offense under prior Washington law that is comparable to the offenses listed in (b)(i) of this subsection. A conviction for rape of a child in the first degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was 16 years of age or older when the offender committed the offense. A conviction for rape of a child in the second degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was 18 years of age or older when the offender committed the offense.
(39) "Predatory" means: (a) The perpetrator of the crime was a stranger to the victim, as defined in this section; (b) the perpetrator established or promoted a relationship with the victim prior to the offense and the victimization of the victim was a significant reason the perpetrator established or promoted the relationship; or (c) the perpetrator was: (i) A teacher, counselor, volunteer, or other person in authority in any public or private school and the victim was a student of the school under his or her authority or supervision. For purposes of this subsection, "school" does not include home-based instruction as defined in RCW 28A.225.010; (ii) a coach, trainer, volunteer, or other person in authority in any recreational activity and the victim was a participant in the activity under his or her authority or supervision; (iii) a pastor, elder, volunteer, or other person in authority in any church or religious organization, and the victim was a member or participant of the organization under his or her authority; or (iv) a teacher, counselor, volunteer, or other person in authority providing home-based instruction and the victim was a student receiving home-based instruction while under his or her authority or supervision. For purposes of this subsection: (A) "Home-based instruction" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 28A.225.010; and (B) "teacher, counselor, volunteer, or other person in authority" does not include the parent or legal guardian of the victim.
(40) "Private school" means a school regulated under chapter 28A.195 or 28A.205 RCW.
(41) "Public school" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.010.
(42) "Recidivist offense" means a felony offense where a prior conviction of the same offense or other specified offense is an element of the crime including, but not limited to:
(a) Assault in the fourth degree where domestic violence is pleaded and proven, RCW 9A.36.041(3);
(b) Cyber harassment, RCW 9A.90.120(2)(b)(i);
(c) Harassment, RCW 9A.46.020(2)(b)(i);
(d) Indecent exposure, RCW 9A.88.010(2)(c);
(e) Stalking, RCW 9A.46.110(5)(b) (i) and (iii);
(f) Telephone harassment, RCW 9.61.230(2)(a); and
(g) Violation of a no-contact or protection order, RCW 7.105.450 or former RCW 26.50.110(5).
(43) "Repetitive domestic violence offense" means any:
(a)(i) Domestic violence assault that is not a felony offense under RCW 9A.36.041;
(ii) Domestic violence violation of a no-contact order under chapter 10.99 RCW that is not a felony offense;
(iii) Domestic violence violation of a protection order under chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW or former chapter 26.50 RCW, or violation of a domestic violence protection order under chapter 7.105 RCW, that is not a felony offense;
(iv) Domestic violence harassment offense under RCW 9A.46.020 that is not a felony offense; or
(v) Domestic violence stalking offense under RCW 9A.46.110 that is not a felony offense; or
(b) Any federal, out-of-state, tribal court, military, county, or municipal conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be classified as a repetitive domestic violence offense under (a) of this subsection.
(44) "Restitution" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specified period of time as payment of damages. The sum may include both public and private costs.
(45) "Risk assessment" means the application of the risk instrument recommended to the department by the Washington state institute for public policy as having the highest degree of predictive accuracy for assessing an offender's risk of reoffense.
(46) "Serious traffic offense" means:
(a)(i) Nonfelony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502);
(ii) Nonfelony actual physical control while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504);
(iii) Reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500);
(iv) Negligent driving if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522 while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.5249);
(v) Reckless endangerment if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522 while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 9A.36.050); or
(vi) Hit-and-run an attended vehicle (RCW 46.52.020(5)); or
(b) Any federal, out-of-state, county, or municipal conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be classified as a serious traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.
(c) This definition applies for the purpose of a personal driver's license only and does not apply to violations related to a commercial motor vehicle under RCW 46.25.090.
(47) "Serious violent offense" is a subcategory of violent offense and means:
(a)(i) Murder in the first degree;
(ii) Homicide by abuse;
(iii) Murder in the second degree;
(iv) Manslaughter in the first degree;
(v) Assault in the first degree;
(vi) Kidnapping in the first degree;
(vii) Rape in the first degree;
(viii) Assault of a child in the first degree; or
(ix) An attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit one of these felonies; or
(b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a serious violent offense under (a) of this subsection.
(48) "Sex offense" means:
(a)(i) A felony that is a violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW other than RCW 9A.44.132;
(ii) A violation of RCW 9A.64.020;
(iii) A felony that is a violation of chapter 9.68A RCW other than RCW 9.68A.080;
(iv) A felony that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit such crimes; or
(v) A felony violation of RCW 9A.44.132(1) (failure to register as a sex offender) if the person has been convicted of violating RCW 9A.44.132(1) (failure to register as a sex offender) or 9A.44.130 prior to June 10, 2010, on at least one prior occasion;
(b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a sex offense in (a) of this subsection;
(c) A felony with a finding of sexual motivation under RCW 9.94A.835 or 13.40.135; or
(d) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a sex offense under (a) of this subsection.
(49) "Sexual motivation" means that one of the purposes for which the defendant committed the crime was for the purpose of his or her sexual gratification.
(50) "Standard sentence range" means the sentencing court's discretionary range in imposing a nonappealable sentence.
(51) "Statutory maximum sentence" means the maximum length of time for which an offender may be confined as punishment for a crime as prescribed in chapter 9A.20 RCW, RCW 9.92.010, the statute defining the crime, or other statute defining the maximum penalty for a crime.
(52) "Stranger" means that the victim did not know the offender 24 hours before the offense.
(53) "Total confinement" means confinement inside the physical boundaries of a facility or institution operated or utilized under contract by the state or any other unit of government for 24 hours a day, or pursuant to RCW 72.64.050 and 72.64.060.
(54) "Transition training" means written and verbal instructions and assistance provided by the department to the offender during the two weeks prior to the offender's successful completion of the work ethic camp program. The transition training shall include instructions in the offender's requirements and obligations during the offender's period of community custody.
(55) "Victim" means any person who has sustained emotional, psychological, physical, or financial injury to person or property as a direct result of the crime charged.
(56) "Victim of domestic violence" means an intimate partner or household member who has been subjected to the infliction of physical harm or sexual and psychological abuse by an intimate partner or household member as part of a pattern of assaultive, coercive, and controlling behaviors directed at achieving compliance from or control over that intimate partner or household member. Domestic violence includes, but is not limited to, the offenses listed in RCW 10.99.020 and *** 26.50.010 committed by an intimate partner or household member against a victim who is an intimate partner or household member.
(57) "Victim of sex trafficking, prostitution, or commercial sexual abuse of a minor" means a person who has been forced or coerced to perform a commercial sex act including, but not limited to, being a victim of offenses defined in RCW 9A.40.100, 9A.88.070, 9.68A.101, and the trafficking victims protection act of 2000, 22 U.S.C. Sec. 7101 et seq.; or a person who was induced to perform a commercial sex act when they were less than 18 years of age including but not limited to the offenses defined in chapter 9.68A RCW.
(58) "Victim of sexual assault" means any person who is a victim of a sexual assault offense, nonconsensual sexual conduct, or nonconsensual sexual penetration and as a result suffers physical, emotional, financial, or psychological impacts. Sexual assault offenses include, but are not limited to, the offenses defined in chapter 9A.44 RCW.
(59) "Violent offense" means:
(a) Any of the following felonies:
(i) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or an attempt to commit a class A felony;
(ii) Criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;
(iii) Manslaughter in the first degree;
(iv) Manslaughter in the second degree;
(v) Indecent liberties if committed by forcible compulsion;
(vi) Kidnapping in the second degree;
(vii) Arson in the second degree;
(viii) Assault in the second degree;
(ix) Assault of a child in the second degree;
(x) Extortion in the first degree;
(xi) Robbery in the second degree;
(xii) Drive-by shooting;
(xiii) Vehicular assault, when caused by the operation or driving of a vehicle by a person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner; and
(xiv) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;
(b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a violent offense in (a) of this subsection; and
(c) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a violent offense under (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(60) "Work crew" means a program of partial confinement consisting of civic improvement tasks for the benefit of the community that complies with RCW 9.94A.725.
(61) "Work ethic camp" means an alternative incarceration program as provided in RCW 9.94A.690 designed to reduce recidivism and lower the cost of corrections by requiring offenders to complete a comprehensive array of real-world job and vocational experiences, character-building work ethics training, life management skills development, substance abuse rehabilitation, counseling, literacy training, and basic adult education.
(62) "Work release" means a program of partial confinement available to offenders who are employed or engaged as a student in a regular course of study at school.
[ 2025 c 407 s 3; (2025 c 407 s 2 expired January 1, 2026); 2024 c 306 s 2; 2022 c 231 s 11; (2022 c 231 s 10 expired July 1, 2022). Prior: 2021 c 237 s 1; 2021 c 215 s 97; prior: 2020 c 296 s 2; 2020 c 252 s 4; 2020 c 137 s 1; prior: 2019 c 331 s 5; 2019 c 271 s 6; 2019 c 187 s 1; 2019 c 46 s 5007; 2018 c 166 s 3; 2016 c 81 s 16; prior: 2015 c 287 s 1; 2015 c 261 s 12; 2012 c 143 s 1; prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 8; 2011 c 87 s 2; prior: 2010 c 274 s 401; 2010 c 267 s 9; 2010 c 227 s 11; 2010 c 224 s 1; 2009 c 375 s 4; (2009 c 375 s 3 expired August 1, 2009); 2009 c 28 s 4; prior: 2008 c 276 s 309; 2008 c 231 s 23; 2008 c 230 s 2; 2008 c 7 s 1; prior: 2006 c 139 s 5; (2006 c 139 s 4 expired July 1, 2006); 2006 c 124 s 1; 2006 c 122 s 7; (2006 c 122 s 6 expired July 1, 2006); 2006 c 73 s 5; 2005 c 436 s 1; 2003 c 53 s 55; prior: 2002 c 175 s 5; 2002 c 107 s 2; prior: 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 s 301; 2001 c 300 s 3; 2001 c 7 s 2; prior: 2001 c 287 s 4; 2001 c 95 s 1; 2000 c 28 s 2; 1999 c 352 s 8; 1999 c 197 s 1; 1999 c 196 s 2; 1998 c 290 s 3; prior: 1997 c 365 s 1; 1997 c 340 s 4; 1997 c 339 s 1; 1997 c 338 s 2; 1997 c 144 s 1; 1997 c 70 s 1; prior: 1996 c 289 s 1; 1996 c 275 s 5; prior: 1995 c 268 s 2; 1995 c 108 s 1; 1995 c 101 s 2; 1994 c 261 s 16; prior: 1994 c 1 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 593, approved November 2, 1993); 1993 c 338 s 2; 1993 c 251 s 4; 1993 c 164 s 1; prior: 1992 c 145 s 6; 1992 c 75 s 1; prior: 1991 c 348 s 4; 1991 c 290 s 3; 1991 c 181 s 1; 1991 c 32 s 1; 1990 c 3 s 602; prior: 1989 c 394 s 1; 1989 c 252 s 2; prior: 1988 c 157 s 1; 1988 c 154 s 2; 1988 c 153 s 1; 1988 c 145 s 11; prior: 1987 c 458 s 1; 1987 c 456 s 1; 1987 c 187 s 3; 1986 c 257 s 17; 1985 c 346 s 5; 1984 c 209 s 3; 1983 c 164 s 9; 1983 c 163 s 1; 1982 c 192 s 1; 1981 c 137 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 72.66.060 and 72.65.070 were repealed by 2001 c 264 s 7. Cf. 2001 c 264 s 8.
**(2) RCW 9.94A.5011 expired August 1, 2014.
***(3) RCW 26.50.010 was repealed by 2021 c 215 s 170.
Effective date—2025 c 407 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 407 s 10.]
Expiration date—2025 c 407 s 2: "Section 2 of this act expires January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 407 s 9.]
Retroactive application—Findings—Intent—2025 c 407: See notes following RCW 9.94A.6551.
Effective date—2024 c 306: See note following RCW 9.94A.661.
Expiration date—2022 c 231 ss 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17: "Sections 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17 of this act expire July 1, 2022." [ 2022 c 231 s 18.]
Effective date—2022 c 231 ss 8, 9, 11, 13, and 15: See note following RCW 7.105.010.
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Short title—2020 c 296: "This act may be known and cited as the Tiffany Hill act." [ 2020 c 296 s 1.]
Effective date—2020 c 252: See note following RCW 9.94A.660.
Short title—2019 c 331: See note following RCW 9.94A.637.
Finding—Conflict with federal requirements—2016 c 81: See notes following RCW 9.97.010.
Application—Recalculation of community custody terms—2011 1st sp.s. c 40: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 40 ss 1-9, 42: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Intent—2010 c 274: See note following RCW 10.31.100.
Application—2010 c 267: See note following RCW 9A.44.128.
Expiration date—2009 c 375 ss 1, 3, and 13: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Application—2009 c 375: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Effective date—2009 c 28: See note following RCW 2.24.040.
Severability—Part headings, subheadings not law—2008 c 276: See notes following RCW 36.28A.200.
Intent—Application—Application of repealers—Effective date—2008 c 231: See notes following RCW 9.94A.701.
Severability—2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.
Delayed effective date—2008 c 230 ss 1-3: See note following RCW 9A.44.130.
Short title—2008 c 7: "This act may be known and cited as the Chelsea Harrison act." [ 2008 c 7 s 2.]
Effective date—2006 c 139 s 5: "Section 5 of this act takes effect July 1, 2006." [ 2006 c 139 s 7.]
Expiration date—2006 c 139 s 4: "Section 4 of this act expires July 1, 2006." [ 2006 c 139 s 6.]
Effective date—2006 c 124: "Except for section 2 of this act, this act takes effect July 1, 2006." [ 2006 c 124 s 5.]
Effective date—2006 c 122 ss 5 and 7: See note following RCW 9.94A.507.
Expiration date—2006 c 122 ss 4 and 6: See note following RCW 9.94A.507.
Effective date—2006 c 122 ss 1-4 and 6: See note following RCW 9.94A.836.
Effective date—2006 c 73: See note following RCW 46.61.502.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Effective date—2002 c 175: See note following RCW 7.80.130.
Finding—2002 c 107: "The legislature considers the majority opinions in State v. Cruz, 139 Wn.2d 186 (1999), and State v. Smith, Cause No. 70683-2 (September 6, 2001), to be wrongly decided, since neither properly interpreted legislative intent. When the legislature enacted the sentencing reform act, chapter 9.94A RCW, and each time the legislature has amended the act, the legislature intended that an offender's criminal history and offender score be determined using the statutory provisions that were in effect on the day the current offense was committed.
Although certain prior convictions previously were not counted in the offender score or included in the criminal history pursuant to former versions of RCW 9.94A.525, or RCW 9.94A.030, those prior convictions need not be "revived" because they were never vacated. As noted in the minority opinions in Cruz and Smith, such application of the law does not involve retroactive application or violate ex postfacto prohibitions. Additionally, the Washington state supreme court has repeatedly held in the past that the provisions of the sentencing reform act act upon and punish only current conduct; the sentencing reform act does not act upon or alter the punishment for prior convictions. See In re Personal Restraint Petition of Williams, 111 Wn.2d 353, (1988). The legislature has never intended to create in an offender a vested right with respect to whether a prior conviction is excluded when calculating an offender score or with respect to how a prior conviction is counted in the offender score for a current offense." [ 2002 c 107 s 1.]
Application—2002 c 107: "RCW 9.94A.030(13) (b) and (c) and 9.94A.525(18) apply only to current offenses committed on or after June 13, 2002. No offender who committed his or her current offense prior to June 13, 2002, may be subject to resentencing as a result of this act." [ 2002 c 107 s 4.]
Application—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 ss 301-363: "(1) Sections 301 through 363 of this act shall not affect the validity of any sentence imposed under any other law for any offense committed before, on, or after September 1, 2001.
(2) Sections 301 through 363 of this act shall apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2001." [ 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 s 503.]
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12: See notes following RCW 71.09.250.
Effective dates—2001 c 287: See note following RCW 9A.76.115.
Effective date—2001 c 95: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2001." [ 2001 c 95 s 3.]
Finding—Intent—2001 c 7: "The legislature finds that an ambiguity may exist regarding whether out-of-state convictions or convictions under prior Washington law, for sex offenses that are comparable to current Washington offenses, count when determining whether an offender is a persistent offender. This act is intended to clarify the legislature's intent that out-of-state convictions for comparable sex offenses and prior Washington convictions for comparable sex offenses shall be used to determine whether an offender meets the definition of a persistent offender." [ 2001 c 7 s 1.]
Technical correction bill—2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.
Severability—1999 c 197: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1999 c 197 s 14.]
Construction—Short title—1999 c 196: See RCW 72.09.904 and 72.09.905.
Severability—1999 c 196: See note following RCW 9.94A.010.
Application—Effective date—Severability—1998 c 290: See notes following RCW 69.50.401.
Finding—Evaluation—Report—1997 c 338: See note following RCW 13.40.0357.
Severability—Effective dates—1997 c 338: See notes following RCW 5.60.060.
Finding—1996 c 275: See note following RCW 9.94A.505.
Application—1996 c 275 ss 1-5: See note following RCW 9.94A.505.
Purpose—1995 c 268: "In order to eliminate a potential ambiguity over the scope of the term "sex offense," this act clarifies that for general purposes the definition of "sex offense" does not include any misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. For purposes of the registration of sex offenders pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130, however, the definition of "sex offense" is expanded to include those gross misdemeanors that constitute attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations to commit class C felonies." [ 1995 c 268 s 1.]
Effective date—1995 c 108: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 19, 1995]." [ 1995 c 108 s 6.]
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
Severability—Short title—Captions—1994 c 1: See notes following RCW 9.94A.555.
Severability—Effective date—1993 c 338: See notes following RCW 72.09.400.
Finding—Intent—1993 c 251: See note following RCW 38.52.430.
Effective date—1991 c 348: See note following RCW 46.61.520.
Effective date—Application—1990 c 3 ss 601-605: See note following RCW 9.94A.835.
Purpose—1989 c 252: "The purpose of this act is to create a system that: (1) Assists the courts in sentencing felony offenders regarding the offenders' legal financial obligations; (2) holds offenders accountable to victims, counties, cities, the state, municipalities, and society for the assessed costs associated with their crimes; and (3) provides remedies for an individual or other entities to recoup or at least defray a portion of the loss associated with the costs of felonious behavior." [ 1989 c 252 s 1.]
Prospective application—1989 c 252: "Except for sections 18, 22, 23, and 24 of this act, this act applies prospectively only and not retrospectively. It applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of this act." [ 1989 c 252 s 27.]
Effective dates—1989 c 252: "(1) Sections 1 through 17, 19 through 21, 25, 26, and 28 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1990 unless otherwise directed by law.
(2) Sections 18, 22, 23, and 24 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1989." [ 1989 c 252 s 30.]
Severability—1989 c 252: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1989 c 252 s 31.]
Application—1988 c 157: "This act applies to crimes committed after July 1, 1988." [ 1988 c 157 s 7.]
Effective date—1988 c 153: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1988." [ 1988 c 153 s 16.]
Application of increased sanctions—1988 c 153: "Increased sanctions authorized by this act are applicable only to those persons committing offenses after July 1, 1988." [ 1988 c 153 s 15.]
Effective date—Savings—Application—1988 c 145: See notes following RCW 9A.44.010.
Severability—1987 c 458: See note following RCW 48.21.160.
Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.
Effective date—1986 c 257 ss 17-35: "Sections 17 through 35 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1986." [ 1986 c 257 s 38.]
Effective dates—1984 c 209: "Sections 1 through 26 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1984, and sections 27 through 32 of this act shall take effect June 30, 1984." [ 1984 c 209 s 33.]
Effective date—1983 c 163: See note following RCW 9.94A.505.
State preemption of criminal street gang definitions: Chapter 9.101 RCW.

catchline: Definitions.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 9.94A.035

text:
For a felony defined by a statute of this state that is not in Title 9A RCW, unless otherwise provided:
(1) If the maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized by law upon a first conviction of such felony is twenty years or more, such felony shall be treated as a class A felony for purposes of this chapter;
(2) If the maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized by law upon a first conviction of such felony is eight years or more, but less than twenty years, such felony shall be treated as a class B felony for purposes of this chapter;
(3) If the maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized by law upon a first conviction of such felony is less than eight years, such felony shall be treated as a class C felony for purposes of this chapter.
[ 1996 c 44 s 1.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Classification of felonies not in Title 9A RCW.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 9.94A.171

text:
(1) A term of confinement ordered in a sentence pursuant to this chapter shall be tolled by any period of time during which the offender has absented himself or herself from confinement without the prior approval of the entity in whose custody the offender has been placed. A term of partial confinement shall be tolled during any period of time spent in total confinement pursuant to a new conviction.
(2) Any term of community custody shall be tolled by any period of time during which the offender has absented himself or herself from supervision without prior approval of the entity under whose supervision the offender has been placed.
(3)(a) For offenders other than sex offenders serving a sentence for a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, any period of community custody shall be tolled during any period of time the offender is in confinement for any reason unless the offender is detained pursuant to RCW 9.94A.740 or 9.94A.631 for the period of time prior to the hearing or for confinement pursuant to sanctions imposed for violation of sentence conditions, in which case, the period of community custody shall not toll. However, sanctions that result in the imposition of the remaining sentence or the original sentence will continue to toll the period of community custody. In addition, inpatient treatment ordered by the court in lieu of jail time shall not toll the period of community custody.
(b) For sex offenders serving a sentence for a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, any period of community custody shall be tolled during any period of time the sex offender is in confinement for any reason.
(4) For terms of confinement or community custody, the date for the tolling of the sentence shall be established by the entity responsible for the confinement or supervision.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "tolling" means the period of time in which community custody or confinement time is paused and for which the offender does not receive credit towards the term ordered.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 1; 2008 c 231 s 28; 2000 c 226 s 5. Prior: 1999 c 196 s 7; 1999 c 143 s 14; 1993 c 31 s 2; 1988 c 153 s 9; 1981 c 137 s 17. Formerly RCW 9.94A.625, 9.94A.170.]
Notes:
Application—Recalculation of community custody terms—2011 1st sp.s. c 40: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 40 ss 1-9, 42: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Intent—Application—Application of repealers—Effective date—2008 c 231: See notes following RCW 9.94A.701.
Severability—2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.
Effective date—2000 c 226 s 5: "Section 5 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 30, 2000]." [ 2000 c 226 s 7.]
Finding—Intent—Severability—2000 c 226: See notes following RCW 9.94A.505.
Construction—Short title—1999 c 196: See RCW 72.09.904 and 72.09.905.
Severability—1999 c 196: See note following RCW 9.94A.010.
Effective date—Application of increased sanctions—1988 c 153: See notes following RCW 9.94A.030.
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Tolling of term of confinement, supervision.


title: RCW 9.94A.190

text:
(1) A sentence that includes a term or terms of confinement totaling more than one year shall be served in a facility or institution operated, or utilized under contract, by the state, or in home detention pursuant to RCW 9.94A.6551 or the graduated reentry program under RCW 9.94A.733. Except as provided in subsection (3) or (5) of this section, a sentence of not more than one year of confinement shall be served in a facility operated, licensed, or utilized under contract, by the county, or if home detention or work crew has been ordered by the court, in the residence of either the offender or a member of the offender's immediate family.
(2) If a county uses a state partial confinement facility for the partial confinement of a person sentenced to confinement for not more than one year, the county shall reimburse the state for the use of the facility as provided in this subsection. The office of financial management shall set the rate of reimbursement based upon the average per diem cost per offender in the facility. The office of financial management shall determine to what extent, if any, reimbursement shall be reduced or eliminated because of funds provided by the legislature to the department for the purpose of covering the cost of county use of state partial confinement facilities. The office of financial management shall reestablish reimbursement rates each even-numbered year.
(3) A person who is sentenced for a felony to a term of not more than one year, and who is committed or returned to incarceration in a state facility on another felony conviction, either under the indeterminate sentencing laws, chapter 9.95 RCW, or under this chapter shall serve all terms of confinement, including a sentence of not more than one year, in a facility or institution operated, or utilized under contract, by the state, consistent with the provisions of RCW 9.94A.589.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a sentence imposed pursuant to RCW 9.94A.660 or 9.94A.661 which has a standard sentence range of over one year, regardless of length, shall be served in a facility or institution operated, or utilized under contract, by the state.
(5) Sentences imposed pursuant to RCW 9.94A.507 shall be served in a facility or institution operated, or utilized under contract, by the state.
[ 2024 c 306 s 3; 2018 c 166 s 5; 2010 c 224 s 10; (2011 c 96 s 11 repealed by 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 43); 2009 c 28 s 5; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 s 313; 2000 c 28 s 4; 1995 c 108 s 4; 1991 c 181 s 5; 1988 c 154 s 5; 1986 c 257 s 21; 1984 c 209 s 10; 1981 c 137 s 19.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 306: See note following RCW 9.94A.661.
Effective date—2009 c 28: See note following RCW 2.24.040.
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12: See notes following RCW 71.09.250.
Application—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 ss 301-363: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Technical correction bill—2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.
Effective date—1995 c 108: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.
Effective date—1986 c 257 ss 17-35: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Effective dates—1984 c 209: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Terms of more than one year or less than one year—Where served—Reimbursement of costs.


title: RCW 9.94A.340

text:
The sentencing guidelines and prosecuting standards apply equally to offenders in all parts of the state, without discrimination as to any element that does not relate to the crime or the previous record of the defendant.
[ 1983 c 115 s 5.]

catchline: Equal application.


title: RCW 9.94A.345

text:
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any sentence imposed under this chapter shall be determined in accordance with the law in effect when the current offense was committed.
[ 2021 c 286 s 2; 2021 c 141 s 2; 2000 c 26 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 286: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 12, 2021]." [ 2021 c 286 s 3.]
Intent—2000 c 26: "RCW 9.94A.345 is intended to cure any ambiguity that might have led to the Washington supreme court's decision in State v. Cruz, Cause No. 67147-8 (October 7, 1999). A decision as to whether a prior conviction shall be included in an individual's offender score should be determined by the law in effect on the day the current offense was committed. RCW 9.94A.345 is also intended to clarify the applicability of statutes creating new sentencing alternatives or modifying the availability of existing alternatives." [ 2000 c 26 s 1.]

catchline: Timing.


title: RCW 9.94A.401

text:
These standards are intended solely for the guidance of prosecutors in the state of Washington. They are not intended to, do not and may not be relied upon to create a right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party in litigation with the state.
[ 1983 c 115 s 14. Formerly RCW 9.94A.430.]

catchline: Introduction.


title: RCW 9.94A.411

text:
(1) Decision not to prosecute.
STANDARD: A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.
GUIDELINE/COMMENTARY:
Examples
The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard.
(a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute.
(b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that:
(i) It has not been enforced for many years; and
(ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence; and
(iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and
(iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature.
This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce.
(c) De Minimis Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution.
(d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and
(i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
(ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
(iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
(e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and
(i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
(ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent;
(iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
(iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
(f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question. This reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases.
(g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.
(h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused's information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest.
(i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations:
(i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury;
(ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered;
(iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society.
Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused.
The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced.
Notification
The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute.
(2) Decision to prosecute.
(a) STANDARD:
Crimes against persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact finder. With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040, 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, 9A.44.089, and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be provided pursuant to RCW 9.94A.670.
Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised.
See table below for the crimes within these categories.
CATEGORIZATION OF CRIMES FOR PROSECUTING STANDARDS
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Aggravated Murder (RCW 10.95.020)
1st Degree Murder (RCW 9A.32.030)
2nd Degree Murder (RCW 9A.32.050)
1st Degree Manslaughter (RCW 9A.32.060)
2nd Degree Manslaughter (RCW 9A.32.070)
1st Degree Kidnapping (RCW 9A.40.020)
2nd Degree Kidnapping (RCW 9A.40.030)
1st Degree Assault (RCW 9A.36.011)
2nd Degree Assault (RCW 9A.36.021)
3rd Degree Assault (RCW 9A.36.031)
4th Degree Assault (if a violation of RCW 9A.36.041(3))
1st Degree Assault of a Child (RCW 9A.36.120)
2nd Degree Assault of a Child (RCW 9A.36.130)
3rd Degree Assault of a Child (RCW 9A.36.140)
1st Degree Rape (RCW 9A.44.040)
2nd Degree Rape (RCW 9A.44.050)
3rd Degree Rape (RCW 9A.44.060)
1st Degree Rape of a Child (RCW 9A.44.073)
2nd Degree Rape of a Child (RCW 9A.44.076)
3rd Degree Rape of a Child (RCW 9A.44.079)
1st Degree Robbery (RCW 9A.56.200)
2nd Degree Robbery (RCW 9A.56.210)
1st Degree Arson (RCW 9A.48.020)
1st Degree Burglary (RCW 9A.52.020)
1st Degree Identity Theft (RCW 9.35.020(2))
2nd Degree Identity Theft (RCW 9.35.020(3))
1st Degree Extortion (RCW 9A.56.120)
2nd Degree Extortion (RCW 9A.56.130)
1st Degree Criminal Mistreatment (RCW 9A.42.020)
2nd Degree Criminal Mistreatment (RCW 9A.42.030)
1st Degree Theft from a Vulnerable Adult (RCW 9A.56.400(1))
2nd Degree Theft from a Vulnerable Adult (RCW 9A.56.400(2))
Hate Crime (RCW 9A.36.080)
Indecent Liberties (RCW 9A.44.100)
Incest (RCW 9A.64.020)
Vehicular Homicide (RCW 46.61.520)
Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)
1st Degree Child Molestation (RCW 9A.44.083)
2nd Degree Child Molestation (RCW 9A.44.086)
3rd Degree Child Molestation (RCW 9A.44.089)
1st Degree Promoting Prostitution (RCW 9A.88.070)
Intimidating a Juror (RCW 9A.72.130)
Communication with a Minor (RCW 9.68A.090)
Intimidating a Witness (RCW 9A.72.110)
Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)
Bomb Threat (if against person) (RCW 9.61.160)
Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)
Promoting a Suicide Attempt (RCW 9A.36.060)
Criminal Mischief (if against person) (RCW 9A.84.010)
Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)
Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)
Domestic Violence Court Order Violation (RCW 7.105.450, 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.26B.050, or 26.52.070, or any of the former RCW 26.50.110 and 74.34.145)
Counterfeiting (if a violation of RCW 9.16.035(4))
Felony Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug (RCW 46.61.502(6))
Felony Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug (RCW 46.61.504(6))
Felony Hazing (RCW 28B.10.901(2)(b))
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY/OTHER CRIMES
2nd Degree Arson (RCW 9A.48.030)
1st Degree Escape (RCW 9A.76.110)
2nd Degree Escape (RCW 9A.76.120)
2nd Degree Burglary (RCW 9A.52.030)
1st Degree Theft (RCW 9A.56.030)
2nd Degree Theft (RCW 9A.56.040)
1st Degree Perjury (RCW 9A.72.020)
2nd Degree Perjury (RCW 9A.72.030)
1st Degree Introducing Contraband (RCW 9A.76.140)
2nd Degree Introducing Contraband (RCW 9A.76.150)
1st Degree Possession of Stolen Property (RCW 9A.56.150)
2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property (RCW 9A.56.160)
Bribery (RCW 9A.68.010)
Bribing a Witness (RCW 9A.72.090)
Bribe received by a Witness (RCW 9A.72.100)
Bomb Threat (if against property) (RCW 9.61.160)
1st Degree Malicious Mischief (RCW 9A.48.070)
2nd Degree Malicious Mischief (RCW 9A.48.080)
1st Degree Reckless Burning (RCW 9A.48.040)
Taking a Motor Vehicle without Authorization (RCW 9A.56.070 and 9A.56.075)
Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)
2nd Degree Promoting Prostitution (RCW 9A.88.080)
Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)
Trading in Public Office (RCW 9A.68.040)
Trading in Special Influence (RCW 9A.68.050)
Receiving/Granting Unlawful Compensation (RCW 9A.68.030)
Bigamy (RCW 9A.64.010)
Eluding a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)
Willful Failure to Return from Furlough
Escape from Community Custody
Criminal Mischief (if against property) (RCW 9A.84.010)
1st Degree Theft of Livestock (RCW 9A.56.080)
2nd Degree Theft of Livestock (RCW 9A.56.083)
ALL OTHER UNCLASSIFIED FELONIES
Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge
(i) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of defendant's conduct. Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:
(A) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or
(B) Will result in restitution to all victims.
(ii) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea. Overcharging includes:
(A) Charging a higher degree;
(B) Charging additional counts.
This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a defendant's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication. Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.
(b) GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:
(i) Police Investigation
A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute. The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made. In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following:
(A) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible;
(B) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and
(C) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events.
If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include.
(ii) Exceptions
In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if:
(A) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and
(B) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or
(C) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime.
In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner. If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed.
(iii) Investigation Techniques
The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including:
(A) Polygraph testing;
(B) Hypnosis;
(C) Electronic surveillance;
(D) Use of informants.
(iv) Prefiling Discussions with Defendant
Discussions with the defendant or his/her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached.
(v) Prefiling Discussions with Victim(s)
Discussions with the victim(s) or victims' representatives regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur before the filing of charges. The discussions may be considered by the prosecutor in charging and disposition decisions, and should be considered before reaching any agreement with the defendant regarding these decisions.
[ 2023 c 196 s 2; 2023 c 52 s 2; 2021 c 215 s 98; 2019 c 46 s 5008. Prior: 2017 c 272 s 2; 2017 c 266 s 5; prior: 2006 c 271 s 1; 2006 c 73 s 13; prior: 2000 c 119 s 28; 2000 c 28 s 17; prior: 1999 c 322 s 6; 1999 c 196 s 11; 1996 c 93 s 2; 1995 c 288 s 3; prior: 1992 c 145 s 11; 1992 c 75 s 5; 1989 c 332 s 2; 1988 c 145 s 13; 1986 c 257 s 30; 1983 c 115 s 15. Formerly RCW 9.94A.440.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2023 c 52 s 2 and by 2023 c 196 s 2, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Short title—2023 c 196: See note following RCW 28B.10.901.
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Finding—Intent—2017 c 266: See note following RCW 9A.42.020.
Effective date—2006 c 73: See note following RCW 46.61.502.
Application—2000 c 119: See note following RCW 10.31.100.
Technical correction bill—2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.
Construction—Short title—1999 c 196: See RCW 72.09.904 and 72.09.905.
Severability—1999 c 196: See note following RCW 9.94A.010.
Effective date—Savings—Application—1988 c 145: See notes following RCW 9A.44.010.
Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.
Effective date—1986 c 257 ss 17-35: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.

catchline: Evidentiary sufficiency.


title: RCW 9.94A.421

text:
The prosecutor and the attorney for the defendant, or the defendant when acting pro se, may engage in discussions with a view toward reaching an agreement that, upon the entering of a plea to a charged offense or to a lesser or related offense, the prosecutor will do any of the following:
(1) Move for dismissal of other charges or counts;
(2) Recommend a particular sentence within the sentence range applicable to the offense or offenses to which the offender pled guilty;
(3) Recommend a particular sentence outside of the sentence range;
(4) Agree to file a particular charge or count;
(5) Agree not to file other charges or counts; or
(6) Make any other promise to the defendant, except that in no instance may the prosecutor agree not to allege prior convictions.
In a case involving a crime against persons as defined in RCW 9.94A.411, the prosecutor shall make reasonable efforts to inform the victim of the violent offense of the nature of and reasons for the plea agreement, including all offenses the prosecutor has agreed not to file, and ascertain any objections or comments the victim has to the plea agreement.
The court shall not participate in any discussions under this section.
[ 1995 c 288 s 1; 1981 c 137 s 8. Formerly RCW 9.94A.080.]
Notes:
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Plea agreements—Discussions—Contents of agreements.


title: RCW 9.94A.431

text:
(1) If a plea agreement has been reached by the prosecutor and the defendant pursuant to RCW 9.94A.421, they shall at the time of the defendant's plea state to the court, on the record, the nature of the agreement and the reasons for the agreement. The prosecutor shall inform the court on the record whether the victim or victims of all crimes against persons, as defined in RCW 9.94A.411, covered by the plea agreement have expressed any objections to or comments on the nature of and reasons for the plea agreement. The court, at the time of the plea, shall determine if the agreement is consistent with the interests of justice and with the prosecuting standards. If the court determines it is not consistent with the interests of justice and with the prosecuting standards, the court shall, on the record, inform the defendant and the prosecutor that they are not bound by the agreement and that the defendant may withdraw the defendant's plea of guilty, if one has been made, and enter a plea of not guilty.
(2) The sentencing judge is not bound by any recommendations contained in an allowed plea agreement and the defendant shall be so informed at the time of plea.
[ 1995 c 288 s 2; 1984 c 209 s 4; 1981 c 137 s 9. Formerly RCW 9.94A.090.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 209: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Plea agreements—Information to court—Approval or disapproval—Sentencing judge not bound.


title: RCW 9.94A.441

text:
The prosecuting attorney and the defendant shall each provide the court with their understanding of what the defendant's criminal history is prior to a plea of guilty pursuant to a plea agreement. All disputed issues as to criminal history shall be decided at the sentencing hearing.
[ 1981 c 137 s 10. Formerly RCW 9.94A.100.]
Notes:
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Plea agreements—Criminal history.


title: RCW 9.94A.450

text:
STANDARD: (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a defendant will normally be expected to plead guilty to the charge or charges which adequately describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct or go to trial.
(2) In certain circumstances, a plea agreement with a defendant in exchange for a plea of guilty to a charge or charges that may not fully describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct may be necessary and in the public interest. Such situations may include the following:
(a) Evidentiary problems which make conviction on the original charges doubtful;
(b) The defendant's willingness to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of others whose criminal conduct is more serious or represents a greater public threat;
(c) A request by the victim when it is not the result of pressure from the defendant;
(d) The discovery of facts which mitigate the seriousness of the defendant's conduct;
(e) The correction of errors in the initial charging decision;
(f) The defendant's history with respect to criminal activity;
(g) The nature and seriousness of the offense or offenses charged;
(h) The probable effect on witnesses.
[ 1983 c 115 s 16.]

catchline: Plea dispositions.


title: RCW 9.94A.460

text:
STANDARD:
The prosecutor may reach an agreement regarding sentence recommendations.
The prosecutor shall not agree to withhold relevant information from the court concerning the plea agreement.
[ 1983 c 115 s 17.]

catchline: Sentence recommendations.


title: RCW 9.94A.470

text:
Notwithstanding the current placement or listing of crimes in categories or classifications of prosecuting standards for deciding to prosecute under RCW 9.94A.411(2), any and all felony crimes involving any deadly weapon special verdict under *RCW 9.94A.602, any deadly weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 (3) or (4), or both, and any and all felony crimes as defined in RCW 9.94A.533 (3)(f) or (4)(f), or both, which are excluded from the deadly weapon enhancements shall all be treated as crimes against a person and subject to the prosecuting standards for deciding to prosecute under RCW 9.94A.411(2) as crimes against persons.
[ 2002 c 290 s 14; 1995 c 129 s 4 (Initiative Measure No. 159).]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 9.94A.602 was recodified as RCW 9.94A.825 pursuant to 2009 c 28 s 41.
Effective date—2002 c 290 ss 7-11 and 14-23: See note following RCW 9.94A.515.
Intent—2002 c 290: See note following RCW 9.94A.517.
Findings and intent—Short title—Severability—Captions not law—1995 c 129: See notes following RCW 9.94A.510.

catchline: Armed offenders.


title: RCW 9.94A.475

text:
Any and all recommended sentencing agreements or plea agreements and the sentences for any and all felony crimes shall be made and retained as public records if the felony crime involves:
(1) Any violent offense as defined in this chapter;
(2) Any most serious offense as defined in this chapter;
(3) Any felony with a deadly weapon special verdict under RCW 9.94A.825;
(4) Any felony with any deadly weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 (3) or (4), or both;
(5) The felony crimes of possession of a machine gun or bump-fire stock, possessing a stolen firearm, drive-by shooting, theft of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm in the first or second degree, and/or use of a machine gun or bump-fire stock in a felony; or
(6) The felony crime of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined in RCW 46.61.502, and felony physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined in RCW 46.61.504.
[ 2018 c 7 s 6; 2012 c 183 s 2; 2002 c 290 s 15; 1997 c 338 s 48; 1995 c 129 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 159). Formerly RCW 9.94A.103.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2018 c 7: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Effective date—2012 c 183: "This act takes effect August 1, 2012." [ 2012 c 183 s 17.]
Effective date—2002 c 290 ss 7-11 and 14-23: See note following RCW 9.94A.515.
Intent—2002 c 290: See note following RCW 9.94A.517.
Finding—Evaluation—Report—1997 c 338: See note following RCW 13.40.0357.
Severability—Effective dates—1997 c 338: See notes following RCW 5.60.060.
Findings and intent—Short title—Severability—Captions not law—1995 c 129: See notes following RCW 9.94A.510.

catchline: Plea agreements and sentences for certain offenders—Public records.


title: RCW 9.94A.480

text:
(1) A current, newly created or reworked judgment and sentence document for each felony sentencing shall record any and all recommended sentencing agreements or plea agreements and the sentences for any and all felony crimes kept as public records under RCW 9.94A.475 shall contain the clearly printed name and legal signature of the sentencing judge. The judgment and sentence document as defined in this section shall also provide additional space for the sentencing judge's reasons for going either above or below the presumptive sentence range for any and all felony crimes covered as public records under RCW 9.94A.475. Both the sentencing judge and the prosecuting attorney's office shall each retain or receive a completed copy of each sentencing document as defined in this section for their own records.
(2) The caseload forecast council shall be sent a completed copy of the judgment and sentence document upon conviction for each felony sentencing under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) If any completed judgment and sentence document as defined in subsection (1) of this section is not sent to the caseload forecast council as required in subsection (2) of this section, the caseload forecast council shall have the authority and shall undertake reasonable and necessary steps to assure that all past, current, and future sentencing documents as defined in subsection (1) of this section are received by the caseload forecast council.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 27; 2002 c 290 s 16; 1997 c 338 s 49; 1995 c 129 s 6 (Initiative Measure No. 159). Formerly RCW 9.94A.105.]
Notes:
Application—Recalculation of community custody terms—2011 1st sp.s. c 40: See note following RCW 9.94A.501.
Effective date—2002 c 290 ss 7-11 and 14-23: See note following RCW 9.94A.515.
Intent—2002 c 290: See note following RCW 9.94A.517.
Finding—Evaluation—Report—1997 c 338: See note following RCW 13.40.0357.
Severability—Effective dates—1997 c 338: See notes following RCW 5.60.060.
Findings and intent—Short title—Severability—Captions not law—1995 c 129: See notes following RCW 9.94A.510.

catchline: Judgment and sentence document—Delivery to caseload forecast council.


title: RCW 9.94A.500

text:
(1) Before imposing a sentence upon a defendant, the court shall conduct a sentencing hearing. The sentencing hearing shall be held within forty court days following conviction. Upon the motion of either party for good cause shown, or on its own motion, the court may extend the time period for conducting the sentencing hearing.
Except in cases where the defendant shall be sentenced to a term of total confinement for life without the possibility of release or, when authorized by *RCW 10.95.030 for the crime of aggravated murder in the first degree, sentenced to death, the court may order the department to complete a risk assessment report. If available before sentencing, the report shall be provided to the court.
Unless specifically waived by the court, the court shall order the department to complete a chemical dependency screening report before imposing a sentence upon a defendant who has been convicted of a violation of the uniform controlled substances act under chapter 69.50 RCW, a criminal solicitation to commit such a violation under chapter 9A.28 RCW, or any felony where the court finds that the offender has a chemical dependency that has contributed to his or her offense. In addition, the court shall, at the time of plea or conviction, order the department to complete a presentence report before imposing a sentence upon a defendant who has been convicted of a felony sexual offense. The department of corrections shall give priority to presentence investigations for sexual offenders. If the court determines that the defendant may be a mentally ill person as defined in RCW 71.24.025, although the defendant has not established that at the time of the crime he or she lacked the capacity to commit the crime, was incompetent to commit the crime, or was insane at the time of the crime, the court shall order the department to complete a presentence report before imposing a sentence.
Unless specifically waived by the court, the court shall order the department to complete a presentence investigation before imposing a drug offender sentencing alternative upon a defendant who has been convicted of a felony offense where domestic violence has been pleaded and proven.
The court shall consider the risk assessment report and presentence reports, if any, including any victim impact statement and criminal history, and allow arguments from the prosecutor, the defense counsel, the offender, the victim, the survivor of the victim, or a representative of the victim or survivor, and an investigative law enforcement officer as to the sentence to be imposed.
A criminal history summary relating to the defendant from the prosecuting authority or from a state, federal, or foreign governmental agency shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and validity of the convictions listed therein. If the court is satisfied by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has a criminal history, the court shall specify the convictions it has found to exist. All of this information shall be part of the record. Copies of all risk assessment reports and presentence reports presented to the sentencing court and all written findings of facts and conclusions of law as to sentencing entered by the court shall be sent to the department by the clerk of the court at the conclusion of the sentencing and shall accompany the offender if the offender is committed to the custody of the department. Court clerks shall provide, without charge, certified copies of documents relating to criminal convictions requested by prosecuting attorneys.
(2) To prevent wrongful disclosure of information and records related to mental health services, as described in RCW 71.05.445 and 70.02.250, a court may take only those steps necessary during a sentencing hearing or any hearing in which the department presents information related to mental health services to the court. The steps may be taken on motion of the defendant, the prosecuting attorney, or on the court's own motion. The court may seal the portion of the record relating to information relating to mental health services, exclude the public from the hearing during presentation or discussion of information and records relating to mental health services, or grant other relief to achieve the result intended by this subsection, but nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the subsequent release of information and records related to mental health services as authorized by RCW 71.05.445, 70.02.250, or 72.09.585. Any person who otherwise is permitted to attend any hearing pursuant to chapter 7.69 or 7.69A RCW shall not be excluded from the hearing solely because the department intends to disclose or discloses information related to mental health services.
[ 2019 c 263 s 501; 2013 c 200 s 33; 2008 c 231 s 2; 2006 c 339 s 303; 2000 c 75 s 8. Prior: 1999 c 197 s 3; 1999 c 196 s 4; 1998 c 260 s 2; 1988 c 60 s 1; 1986 c 257 s 34; 1985 c 443 s 6; 1984 c 209 s 5; 1981 c 137 s 11. Formerly RCW 9.94A.110.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 10.95.030 was amended by 2023 c 102 s 20, deleting subsection (2) relating to "death sentence."
Effective date—2019 c 263 ss 501-504, 601, 602, and 701-708: "Sections 501 through 504, 601, 602, and 701 through 708 of this act take effect January 1, 2021." [ 2019 c 263 s 1004.]
Findings—Intent—2019 c 263 ss 202-803: See note following RCW 10.01.240.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.
Intent—2008 c 231 ss 2-4: "It is the legislature's intent to ensure that offenders receive accurate sentences that are based on their actual, complete criminal history. Accurate sentences further the sentencing reform act's goals of:
(1) Ensuring that the punishment for a criminal offense is proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and the offender's criminal history;
(2) Ensuring punishment that is just; and
(3) Ensuring that sentences are commensurate with the punishment imposed on others for committing similar offenses.
Given the decisions in In re Cadwallader, 155 Wn.2d 867 (2005); State v. Lopez, 147 Wn.2d 515 (2002); State v. Ford, 137 Wn.2d 472 (1999); and State v. McCorkle, 137 Wn.2d 490 (1999), the legislature finds it is necessary to amend the provisions in RCW 9.94A.500, 9.94A.525, and 9.94A.530 in order to ensure that sentences imposed accurately reflect the offender's actual, complete criminal history, whether imposed at sentencing or upon resentencing. These amendments are consistent with the United States supreme court holding in Monge v. California, 524 U.S. 721 (1998), that double jeopardy is not implicated at resentencing following an appeal or collateral attack." [ 2008 c 231 s 1.]
Application—2008 c 231 ss 2 and 3: "Sections 2 and 3 of this act apply to all sentencings and resentencings commenced before, on, or after June 12, 2008." [ 2008 c 231 s 5.]
Severability—2008 c 231: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2008 c 231 s 62.]
Intent—Part headings not law—2006 c 339: See notes following RCW 74.34.020.
Intent—2000 c 75: See note following RCW 71.05.445.
Severability—1999 c 197: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Construction—Short title—1999 c 196: See RCW 72.09.904 and 72.09.905.
Severability—1999 c 196: See note following RCW 9.94A.010.
Intent—1998 c 260: "It is the intent of the legislature to decrease the likelihood of recidivism and reincarceration by mentally ill offenders under correctional supervision in the community by authorizing:
(1) The courts to request presentence reports from the department of corrections when a relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior is suspected, and to order a mental status evaluation and treatment for offenders whose criminal behavior is influenced by a mental illness; and
(2) Community corrections officers to work with community mental health providers to support participation in treatment by mentally ill offenders on community placement or community supervision." [ 1998 c 260 s 1.]
Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.
Effective date—1986 c 257 ss 17-35: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Severability—Effective date—1985 c 443: See notes following RCW 7.69.010.
Effective dates—1984 c 209: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.
Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

catchline: Sentencing hearing—Presentencing procedures—Disclosure of mental health services information.


title: RCW 9.94A.501

text:
(1) The department shall supervise the following individuals who are sentenced to probation in superior court, pursuant to RCW 9.92.060, 9.95.204, or 9.95.210:
(a) Individuals convicted of:
(i) Sexual misconduct with a minor second degree;
(ii) Custodial sexual misconduct second degree;
(iii) Communication with a minor for immoral purposes; and
(iv) Violation of RCW 9A.44.132(2) (failure to register); and
(b) Individuals who have:
(i) A current conviction for a repetitive domestic violence offense after August 1, 2011; and
(ii) A prior conviction for a repetitive domestic violence offense or domestic violence felony offense after August 1, 2011.
(2) Individuals convicted of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses supervised by the department pursuant to this section shall be placed on community custody.
(3) The department shall supervise every individual convicted of a felony and sentenced to community custody pursuant to RCW 9.94A.701 or 9.94A.702 whose risk assessment classifies the individual as one who is at a high risk to reoffend.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department shall supervise an individual sentenced to community custody regardless of risk classification if the individual:
(a) Has a current conviction for a sex offense or a serious violent offense and was sentenced to a term of community custody pursuant to RCW 9.94A.701, 9.94A.702, or 9.94A.507;
(b) Has been identified by the department as a dangerous mentally ill offender pursuant to RCW 72.09.370;
(c) Has an indeterminate sentence and is subject to parole pursuant to RCW 9.95.017;
(d) Has a current conviction for violating RCW 9A.44.132(1) (failure to register) and was sentenced to a term of community custody pursuant to RCW 9.94A.701;
(e)(i) Has a current conviction for a domestic violence felony offense after August 1, 2011, and a prior conviction for a repetitive domestic violence offense or domestic violence felony offense after August 1, 2011. This subsection (4)(e)(i) applies only to offenses committed prior to July 24, 2015;
(ii) Has a current conviction for a domestic violence felony offense. The state and its officers, agents, and employees shall not be held criminally or civilly liable for its supervision of an individual under this subsection (4)(e)(ii) unless the state and its officers, agents, and employees acted with gross negligence;
(f) Was sentenced under RCW 9.94A.650, 9.94A.655, 9.94A.660, 9.94A.670, * 9.94A.711, 9.94A.695, or 9.94A.661;
(g) Is subject to supervision pursuant to RCW 9.94A.745; or
(h) Was convicted and sentenced under RCW 46.61.520 (vehicular homicide), RCW 46.61.522 (vehicular assault), RCW 46.61.502(6) (felony DUI), or RCW 46.61.504(6) (felony physical control).
(5) The department shall supervise any individual released by the indeterminate sentence review board who was sentenced to community custody or subject to community custody under the terms of release.
(6) The department shall supervise any individual granted conditional commutation pursuant to RCW 9.94A.885.
(7) The department is not authorized to, and may not, supervise any individual sentenced to a term of community custody or any probationer unless the individual or probationer is one for whom supervision is required under this section.
(8) The department shall conduct a risk assessment for every individual convicted of a felony and sentenced to a term of community custody who may be subject to supervision under this section.
(9) The period of time the department is authorized to supervise an individual under this section may not exceed the duration of community custody specified under RCW 9.94B.050, 9.94A.701 (1) through (9), or 9.94A.702, except in cases where the court has imposed an exceptional term of community custody under RCW 9.94A.535 and where the governor imposes a term of community custody as a condition of conditional commutation or imposes an additional term of community custody due to a violation of conditional commutation.
(10) The period of time the department is authorized to supervise an individual under this section may be reduced by the earned award of supervision compliance credit pursuant to RCW 9.94A.717.
[ 2025 c 371 s 2; (2025 c 371 s 1 expired January 1, 2026). Prior: 2024 c 306 s 4; 2024 c 63 s 3; 2021 c 242 s 2; 2020 c 275 s 1; 2019 c 191 s 2; 2016 sp.s. c 28 s 1; prior: 2015 c 290 s 1; 2015 c 134 s 1; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 35 s 15; 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 2; prior: 2010 c 267 s 10; 2010 c 224 s 3; 2009 c 376 s 2; (2009 c 376 s 1 expired August 1, 2009); 2009 c 375 s 2; (2009 c 375 s 1 expired August 1, 2009); 2008 c 231 s 24; 2005 c 362 s 1; 2003 c 379 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 9.94A.711 expired June 30, 2026.
Effective date—2025 c 371 ss 2 and 5: "Sections 2 and 5 of this act take effect January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 371 s 11.]
Expiration date—2025 c 371 ss 1 and 4: "Sections 1 and 4 of this act expire January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 371 s 10.]
Effective date—2024 c 306: See note following RCW 9.94A.661.
Intent—2024 c 63: "The legislature recognizes the ongoing and increasing epidemic of domestic violence. Even when a perpetrator is held accountable by our criminal justice system, including by total confinement in a state correctional facility, many victims of domestic violence face the ongoing challenge of realizing physical and psychological safety in their daily lives. One mechanism by which the state supports survivors is through community supervision of defendants convicted of certain domestic violence offenses upon their release back into our communities.
The legislature acknowledges that the department of corrections serves a critical function by operating as the state agency entrusted with supervision of certain defendants. It is imperative that in every instance when a Washington court orders supervision for a defendant convicted of a qualifying domestic violence offense, the department of corrections undertakes its supervisory role. Accordingly, the legislature recognizes that certain changes must be made to the Washington sentencing reform act to ensure that the department of corrections' supervisory obligations are clear." [ 2024 c 63 s 1.]
Applicability—2021 c 242: See note following RCW 9.94A.695.
Implementation—2020 c 275: "The department of corrections has discretion to implement RCW 9.94A.501 and 9.94A.717 over a period of time not to exceed twelve months. For any offender under active supervision by the department as of June 11, 2020, he or she is not eligible to earn supervision compliance credit pursuant to RCW 9.94A.717 until he or she has received an orientation by the department regarding supervision compliance credit." [ 2020 c 275 s 3.]
Effective date—2015 c 134: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 29, 2015]." [ 2015 c 134 s 9.]
Application—Recalculation of community custody terms—2011 1st sp.s. c 40: "(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of this act apply to persons convicted before, on, or after June 15, 2011.
(2) By January 1, 2012, consistent with RCW 9.94A.171, 9.94A.501, and section 3 of this act, the department of corrections shall recalculate the term of community custody for offenders currently in confinement or serving a term of community custody. The department of corrections shall reset the date that community custody will end for those offenders. The recalculation shall not extend a term of community custody beyond that to which an offender is currently subject.
(3) By January 1, 2012, consistent with the provisions of RCW 9.94A.650, the department of corrections shall recalculate the term of community custody for each offender sentenced to a first-time offender waiver under RCW 9.94A.650 and currently in confinement or serving a term of community custody. The department of corrections shall reset the date that community custody will end for those offenders. The recalculation shall not extend a term of community custody beyond that to which an offender is currently subject." [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 42.]
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 40 ss 1-9 and 42: "Sections 1 through 9 and 42 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [June 15, 2011]." [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 40 s 44.]
Application—2010 c 267: See note following RCW 9A.44.128.
Expiration date—2009 c 376 s 1: "Section 1 of this act expires August 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 376 s 4.]
Expiration date—2009 c 375 ss 1, 3, and 13: "Sections 1, 3, and 13 of this act expire August 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 375 s 19.]
Application—2009 c 375: "This act applies retroactively and prospectively regardless of whether the offender is currently on community custody or probation with the department, currently incarcerated with a term of community custody or probation with the department, or sentenced after July 26, 2009." [ 2009 c 375 s 20.]
Intent—Application—Application of repealers—Effective date—2008 c 231: See notes following RCW 9.94A.701.
Severability—2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.
Effective date—2005 c 362: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 10, 2005]." [ 2005 c 362 s 5.]
Severability—Effective dates—2003 c 379: See notes following RCW 9.94A.728.
Conditions of probation: RCW 9.95.210.
Misdemeanant probation services—County supervision: RCW 9.95.204.
Suspending sentences: RCW 9.92.060.

catchline: Department must supervise specified individuals—Risk assessment of felony offenders.