About Your Sentencing

The penalty or sentence if you are convicted of a crime will depend on a number of factors. Sentencing in Washington State for felonies is governed by the 1984 Sentencing Reform Act, RCW 9.94A, a determinate sentencing model which factors out parole and probation. It contains guidelines and procedures used by courts to impose sentences that apply equally to all offenders in all parts of the state. In addition, the Act prevents discrimination against the offender based on acts (other than prior criminal history) that are unrelated to the crime he or she is currently charged with. The Act provides presumptive sentencing ranges for different classifications of crimes, with stricter sentences applied within the range according to the seriousness of the offense and the number of prior offenses.

Because of the way the Sentencing Reform Act is used, each individual facing a criminal charge may face a different sentence. In addition to the seriousness of the offense you are convicted of, other factors, such as lesser included charges and prior criminal history are used to calculate an 'offender score' which will indicate the range of the sentence. There are many variables in each sentencing, but the Sentencing Reform Act in its entirety may be viewed at the following link:

Adult Sentencing Manual

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