Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 9.94A - Sentencing Reform Act of 1981.
9.94A.505 - Sentences.

RCW 9.94A.505
Sentences. (Effective until January 1, 2023.)

(1) When a person is convicted of a felony, the court shall impose punishment as provided in this chapter.
(2)(a) The court shall impose a sentence as provided in the following sections and as applicable in the case:
(i) Unless another term of confinement applies, a sentence within the standard sentence range established in RCW 9.94A.510 or 9.94A.517;
(ii) RCW 9.94A.701 and 9.94A.702, relating to community custody;
(iii) RCW 9.94A.570, relating to persistent offenders;
(iv) RCW 9.94A.540, relating to mandatory minimum terms;
(v) RCW 9.94A.650, relating to the first-time offender waiver;
(vi) RCW 9.94A.660, relating to the drug offender sentencing alternative;
(vii) RCW 9.94A.670, relating to the special sex offender sentencing alternative;
(viii) RCW 9.94A.655, relating to the parenting sentencing alternative;
(ix) RCW 9.94A.695, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative;
(x) RCW 9.94A.507, relating to certain sex offenses;
(xi) RCW 9.94A.535, relating to exceptional sentences;
(xii) RCW 9.94A.589, relating to consecutive and concurrent sentences;
(xiii) RCW 9.94A.603, relating to felony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug and felony physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;
(xiv) RCW 9.94A.711, relating to the theft or taking of a motor vehicle.
(b) If a standard sentence range has not been established for the offender's crime, the court shall impose a determinate sentence which may include not more than one year of confinement; community restitution work; a term of community custody under RCW 9.94A.702 not to exceed one year; and/or other legal financial obligations. The court may impose a sentence which provides more than one year of confinement and a community custody term under RCW 9.94A.701 if the court finds reasons justifying an exceptional sentence as provided in RCW 9.94A.535.
(3) If the court imposes a sentence requiring confinement of thirty days or less, the court may, in its discretion, specify that the sentence be served on consecutive or intermittent days. A sentence requiring more than thirty days of confinement shall be served on consecutive days. Local jail administrators may schedule court-ordered intermittent sentences as space permits.
(4) If a sentence imposed includes payment of a legal financial obligation, it shall be imposed as provided in RCW 9.94A.750, 9.94A.753, 9.94A.760, and 43.43.7541.
(5) Except as provided under RCW 9.94A.750(4) and 9.94A.753(4), a court may not impose a sentence providing for a term of confinement or community custody that exceeds the statutory maximum for the crime as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(6) The sentencing court shall give the offender credit for all confinement time served before the sentencing if that confinement was solely in regard to the offense for which the offender is being sentenced.
(7) The sentencing court shall not give the offender credit for any time the offender was required to comply with an electronic monitoring program prior to sentencing if the offender was convicted of one of the following offenses:
(a) A violent offense;
(b) Any sex offense;
(c) Any drug offense;
(d) Reckless burning in the first or second degree as defined in RCW 9A.48.040 or 9A.48.050;
(e) Assault in the third degree as defined in RCW 9A.36.031;
(f) Assault of a child in the third degree;
(g) Unlawful imprisonment as defined in RCW 9A.40.040; or
(h) Harassment as defined in RCW 9A.46.020.
(8) The court shall order restitution as provided in RCW 9.94A.750 and 9.94A.753.
(9) As a part of any sentence, the court may impose and enforce crime-related prohibitions and affirmative conditions as provided in this chapter. "Crime-related prohibitions" may include a prohibition on the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances if the court finds that any chemical dependency or substance abuse contributed to the offense.
(10) In any sentence of partial confinement, the court may require the offender to serve the partial confinement in work release, in a program of home detention, on work crew, or in a combined program of work crew and home detention.

[ 2021 c 242 § 3; 2019 c 191 § 3. Prior: 2015 c 287 § 10; 2015 c 81 § 1; 2010 c 224 § 4; 2009 c 389 § 1; 2009 c 28 § 6; 2008 c 231 § 25; 2006 c 73 § 6; prior: 2002 c 290 § 17; 2002 c 289 § 6; 2002 c 175 § 6; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 § 312; 2001 c 10 § 2; prior: 2000 c 226 § 2; 2000 c 43 § 1; 2000 c 28 § 5; prior: 1999 c 324 § 2; 1999 c 197 § 4; 1999 c 196 § 5; 1999 c 147 § 3; 1998 c 260 § 3; prior: 1997 c 340 § 2; 1997 c 338 § 4; 1997 c 144 § 2; 1997 c 121 § 2; 1997 c 69 § 1; prior: 1996 c 275 § 2; 1996 c 215 § 5; 1996 c 199 § 1; 1996 c 93 § 1; 1995 c 108 § 3; prior: 1994 c 1 § 2 (Initiative Measure No. 593, approved November 2, 1993); 1993 c 31 § 3; prior: 1992 c 145 § 7; 1992 c 75 § 2; 1992 c 45 § 5; prior: 1991 c 221 § 2; 1991 c 181 § 3; 1991 c 104 § 3; 1990 c 3 § 705; 1989 c 252 § 4; prior: 1988 c 154 § 3; 1988 c 153 § 2; 1988 c 143 § 21; prior: 1987 c 456 § 2; 1987 c 402 § 1; prior: 1986 c 301 § 4; 1986 c 301 § 3; 1986 c 257 § 20; 1984 c 209 § 6; 1983 c 163 § 2; 1982 c 192 § 4; 1981 c 137 § 12. Formerly RCW 9.94A.120.]
NOTES:

Applicability—2021 c 242: See note following RCW 9.94A.695.


Effective date—2009 c 389 §§ 1 and 3-5: "Sections 1 and 3 through 5 of this act take effect August 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 389 § 8.]


Effective date—2009 c 28: See note following RCW 2.24.040.


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—2006 c 73: See note following RCW 46.61.502.


Effective date—2002 c 290 §§ 7-11 and 14-23: See note following RCW 9.94A.515.


Intent—2002 c 290: See note following RCW 9.94A.517.


Severability—Effective date—2002 c 289: See notes following RCW 43.43.753.


Effective date—2002 c 175: See note following RCW 7.80.130.


Intent—Severability—Effective dates—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12: See notes following RCW 71.09.250.


Application—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 §§ 301-363: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Intent—2001 c 10: "It is the intent of the legislature to incorporate into the reorganization of chapter 9.94A RCW adopted by chapter 28, Laws of 2000 amendments adopted to RCW 9.94A.120 during the 2000 legislative session that did not take cognizance of the reorganization. In addition, it is the intent of the legislature to correct any additional incorrect cross-references and to simplify the codification of provisions within chapter 9.94A RCW.
The legislature does not intend to make, and no provision of this act may be construed as making, a substantive change in the sentencing reform act." [ 2001 c 10 § 1.]


Effective date—2001 c 10: "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 10 § 7.]


Finding—Intent—2000 c 226: "The legislature finds that supervision of offenders in the community and an offender's payment of restitution enhances public safety, improves offender accountability, is an important component of providing justice to victims, and strengthens the community. The legislature intends that all terms and conditions of an offender's supervision in the community, including the length of supervision and payment of legal financial obligations, not be curtailed by an offender's absence from supervision for any reason including confinement in any correctional institution. The legislature, through this act, revises the results of In re Sappenfield, 980 P.2d 1271 (1999) and declares that an offender's absence from supervision or subsequent incarceration acts to toll the jurisdiction of the court or department over an offender for the purpose of enforcing legal financial obligations." [ 2000 c 226 § 1.]


Severability—2000 c 226: "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." [ 2000 c 226 § 6.]


Technical correction bill—2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.


Drug offender options—Report: "The Washington state institute for public policy, in consultation with the sentencing guidelines commission shall evaluate the impact of implementing the drug offender options provided for in RCW 9.94A.120(6). The commission shall submit a final report to the legislature by December 1, 2004. The report shall describe the changes in sentencing practices related to the use of punishment options for drug offenders and include the impact of sentencing alternatives on state prison populations, the savings in state resources, the effectiveness of drug treatment services, and the impact on recidivism rates." [ 1999 c 197 § 12.]


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: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.


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: "The legislature finds that improving the supervision of convicted sex offenders in the community upon release from incarceration is a substantial public policy goal, in that effective supervision accomplishes many purposes including protecting the community, supporting crime victims, assisting offenders to change, and providing important information to decision makers." [ 1996 c 275 § 1.]


Application—1996 c 275 §§ 1-5: "Sections 1 through 5, chapter 275, Laws of 1996 apply to crimes committed on or after June 6, 1996." [ 1996 c 275 § 14.]


Severability—1996 c 199: "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." [ 1996 c 199 § 9.]


Effective date—1995 c 108: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Severability—Short title—Captions—1994 c 1: See notes following RCW 9.94A.555.


Severability—Application—1992 c 45: See notes following RCW 9.94A.840.


Purpose—Prospective application—Effective dates—Severability—1989 c 252: See notes following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective date—Application of increased sanctions—1988 c 153: See notes following RCW 9.94A.030.


Applicability—1988 c 143 §§ 21-24: "Increased sanctions authorized by sections 21 through 24 of this act are applicable only to those persons committing offenses after March 21, 1988." [ 1988 c 143 § 25.]


Effective date—1987 c 402: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1987 c 402 § 3.]


Effective date—1986 c 301 § 4: "Section 4 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1986 c 301 § 8.]


Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.


Effective date—1986 c 257 §§ 17-35: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective dates—1984 c 209: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective date—1983 c 163: "Sections 1 through 5 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1984." [ 1983 c 163 § 7.]


Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.


(1) When a person is convicted of a felony, the court shall impose punishment as provided in this chapter.
(2)(a) The court shall impose a sentence as provided in the following sections and as applicable in the case:
(i) Unless another term of confinement applies, a sentence within the standard sentence range established in RCW 9.94A.510 or 9.94A.517;
(ii) RCW 9.94A.701 and 9.94A.702, relating to community custody;
(iii) RCW 9.94A.570, relating to persistent offenders;
(iv) RCW 9.94A.540, relating to mandatory minimum terms;
(v) RCW 9.94A.650, relating to the first-time offender waiver;
(vi) RCW 9.94A.660, relating to the drug offender sentencing alternative;
(vii) RCW 9.94A.670, relating to the special sex offender sentencing alternative;
(viii) RCW 9.94A.655, relating to the parenting sentencing alternative;
(ix) RCW 9.94A.695, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative;
(x) RCW 9.94A.507, relating to certain sex offenses;
(xi) RCW 9.94A.535, relating to exceptional sentences;
(xii) RCW 9.94A.589, relating to consecutive and concurrent sentences;
(xiii) RCW 9.94A.603, relating to felony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug and felony physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;
(xiv) RCW 9.94A.711, relating to the theft or taking of a motor vehicle.
(b) If a standard sentence range has not been established for the offender's crime, the court shall impose a determinate sentence which may include not more than one year of confinement; community restitution work; a term of community custody under RCW 9.94A.702 not to exceed one year; and/or other legal financial obligations. The court may impose a sentence which provides more than one year of confinement and a community custody term under RCW 9.94A.701 if the court finds reasons justifying an exceptional sentence as provided in RCW 9.94A.535.
(3) If the court imposes a sentence requiring confinement of 30 days or less, the court may, in its discretion, specify that the sentence be served on consecutive or intermittent days. A sentence requiring more than 30 days of confinement shall be served on consecutive days. Local jail administrators may schedule court-ordered intermittent sentences as space permits.
(4) If a sentence imposed includes payment of a legal financial obligation, it shall be imposed as provided in RCW 9.94A.750, 9.94A.753, and 9.94A.760.
(5) Except as provided under RCW 9.94A.750(4) and 9.94A.753(4), a court may not impose a sentence providing for a term of confinement or community custody that exceeds the statutory maximum for the crime as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(6) The sentencing court shall give the offender credit for all confinement time served before the sentencing if that confinement was solely in regard to the offense for which the offender is being sentenced.
(7) The sentencing court shall not give the offender credit for any time the offender was required to comply with an electronic monitoring program prior to sentencing if the offender was convicted of one of the following offenses:
(a) A violent offense;
(b) Any sex offense;
(c) Any drug offense;
(d) Reckless burning in the first or second degree as defined in RCW 9A.48.040 or 9A.48.050;
(e) Assault in the third degree as defined in RCW 9A.36.031;
(f) Assault of a child in the third degree;
(g) Unlawful imprisonment as defined in RCW 9A.40.040; or
(h) Harassment as defined in RCW 9A.46.020.
(8) The court shall order restitution as provided in RCW 9.94A.750 and 9.94A.753.
(9) As a part of any sentence, the court may impose and enforce crime-related prohibitions and affirmative conditions as provided in this chapter. "Crime-related prohibitions" may include a prohibition on the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances if the court finds that any chemical dependency or substance abuse contributed to the offense.
(10) In any sentence of partial confinement, the court may require the offender to serve the partial confinement in work release, in a program of home detention, on work crew, or in a combined program of work crew and home detention.

[ 2022 c 260 § 23; 2021 c 242 § 3; 2019 c 191 § 3. Prior: 2015 c 287 § 10; 2015 c 81 § 1; 2010 c 224 § 4; 2009 c 389 § 1; 2009 c 28 § 6; 2008 c 231 § 25; 2006 c 73 § 6; prior: 2002 c 290 § 17; 2002 c 289 § 6; 2002 c 175 § 6; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 § 312; 2001 c 10 § 2; prior: 2000 c 226 § 2; 2000 c 43 § 1; 2000 c 28 § 5; prior: 1999 c 324 § 2; 1999 c 197 § 4; 1999 c 196 § 5; 1999 c 147 § 3; 1998 c 260 § 3; prior: 1997 c 340 § 2; 1997 c 338 § 4; 1997 c 144 § 2; 1997 c 121 § 2; 1997 c 69 § 1; prior: 1996 c 275 § 2; 1996 c 215 § 5; 1996 c 199 § 1; 1996 c 93 § 1; 1995 c 108 § 3; prior: 1994 c 1 § 2 (Initiative Measure No. 593, approved November 2, 1993); 1993 c 31 § 3; prior: 1992 c 145 § 7; 1992 c 75 § 2; 1992 c 45 § 5; prior: 1991 c 221 § 2; 1991 c 181 § 3; 1991 c 104 § 3; 1990 c 3 § 705; 1989 c 252 § 4; prior: 1988 c 154 § 3; 1988 c 153 § 2; 1988 c 143 § 21; prior: 1987 c 456 § 2; 1987 c 402 § 1; prior: 1986 c 301 § 4; 1986 c 301 § 3; 1986 c 257 § 20; 1984 c 209 § 6; 1983 c 163 § 2; 1982 c 192 § 4; 1981 c 137 § 12. Formerly RCW 9.94A.120.]
NOTES:

Construction—Effective date—2022 c 260: See notes following RCW 3.66.120.


Applicability—2021 c 242: See note following RCW 9.94A.695.


Effective date—2009 c 389 §§ 1 and 3-5: "Sections 1 and 3 through 5 of this act take effect August 1, 2009." [ 2009 c 389 § 8.]


Effective date—2009 c 28: See note following RCW 2.24.040.


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—2006 c 73: See note following RCW 46.61.502.


Effective date—2002 c 290 §§ 7-11 and 14-23: See note following RCW 9.94A.515.


Intent—2002 c 290: See note following RCW 9.94A.517.


Severability—Effective date—2002 c 289: See notes following RCW 43.43.753.


Effective date—2002 c 175: See note following RCW 7.80.130.


Intent—Severability—Effective dates—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12: See notes following RCW 71.09.250.


Application—2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 §§ 301-363: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Intent—2001 c 10: "It is the intent of the legislature to incorporate into the reorganization of chapter 9.94A RCW adopted by chapter 28, Laws of 2000 amendments adopted to RCW 9.94A.120 during the 2000 legislative session that did not take cognizance of the reorganization. In addition, it is the intent of the legislature to correct any additional incorrect cross-references and to simplify the codification of provisions within chapter 9.94A RCW.
The legislature does not intend to make, and no provision of this act may be construed as making, a substantive change in the sentencing reform act." [ 2001 c 10 § 1.]


Effective date—2001 c 10: "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 10 § 7.]


Finding—Intent—2000 c 226: "The legislature finds that supervision of offenders in the community and an offender's payment of restitution enhances public safety, improves offender accountability, is an important component of providing justice to victims, and strengthens the community. The legislature intends that all terms and conditions of an offender's supervision in the community, including the length of supervision and payment of legal financial obligations, not be curtailed by an offender's absence from supervision for any reason including confinement in any correctional institution. The legislature, through this act, revises the results of In re Sappenfield, 980 P.2d 1271 (1999) and declares that an offender's absence from supervision or subsequent incarceration acts to toll the jurisdiction of the court or department over an offender for the purpose of enforcing legal financial obligations." [ 2000 c 226 § 1.]


Severability—2000 c 226: "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." [ 2000 c 226 § 6.]


Technical correction bill—2000 c 28: See note following RCW 9.94A.015.


Drug offender options—Report: "The Washington state institute for public policy, in consultation with the sentencing guidelines commission shall evaluate the impact of implementing the drug offender options provided for in RCW 9.94A.120(6). The commission shall submit a final report to the legislature by December 1, 2004. The report shall describe the changes in sentencing practices related to the use of punishment options for drug offenders and include the impact of sentencing alternatives on state prison populations, the savings in state resources, the effectiveness of drug treatment services, and the impact on recidivism rates." [ 1999 c 197 § 12.]


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: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.


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: "The legislature finds that improving the supervision of convicted sex offenders in the community upon release from incarceration is a substantial public policy goal, in that effective supervision accomplishes many purposes including protecting the community, supporting crime victims, assisting offenders to change, and providing important information to decision makers." [ 1996 c 275 § 1.]


Application—1996 c 275 §§ 1-5: "Sections 1 through 5, chapter 275, Laws of 1996 apply to crimes committed on or after June 6, 1996." [ 1996 c 275 § 14.]


Severability—1996 c 199: "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." [ 1996 c 199 § 9.]


Effective date—1995 c 108: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Severability—Short title—Captions—1994 c 1: See notes following RCW 9.94A.555.


Severability—Application—1992 c 45: See notes following RCW 9.94A.840.


Purpose—Prospective application—Effective dates—Severability—1989 c 252: See notes following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective date—Application of increased sanctions—1988 c 153: See notes following RCW 9.94A.030.


Applicability—1988 c 143 §§ 21-24: "Increased sanctions authorized by sections 21 through 24 of this act are applicable only to those persons committing offenses after March 21, 1988." [ 1988 c 143 § 25.]


Effective date—1987 c 402: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1987 c 402 § 3.]


Effective date—1986 c 301 § 4: "Section 4 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1986 c 301 § 8.]


Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.


Effective date—1986 c 257 §§ 17-35: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective dates—1984 c 209: See note following RCW 9.94A.030.


Effective date—1983 c 163: "Sections 1 through 5 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1984." [ 1983 c 163 § 7.]


Effective date—1981 c 137: See RCW 9.94A.905.

Structure Revised Code of Washington