PROPOSED RULES
REVIEW BOARD
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-20-096.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 381-90 WAC, Procedures for conducting hearings for determination of release to community custody; and chapter 381-100 WAC, Procedures for conducting community custody board violation hearings.
Hearing Location(s): Home Care Quality Authority, Conference Room, First Floor, 4317 6th Avenue Center, Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98503, on February 25, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 25, 2009.
Submit Written Comments to: Margaret McKinney, Executive Director, P.O. Box 40907, Olympia, WA 98504-0907, e-mail isrb@doc1.wa.gov, fax (360) 493-9287, by March 11, 2009.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Margaret McKinney by March 11, 2009, TTY (800) 833-6388.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: To create indeterminate sentence review board chapter 381-90 WAC to outline procedures for conducting hearings to make a determinations of release to the community in accordance with RCW 9.94A.712 and 9.95.420.
To create indeterminate sentence review board chapter 381-100 WAC to outline procedures for conducting community custody violation hearings in accordance with RCW 9.94A.712, 9.95.420, 9.95.430, 9.95.435, 9.95.440, and 9.95.900.
Anticipated effects of the rules are:
| • | Provide guidelines for the indeterminate sentence review board and the department of corrections when preparing for and conducting/participating in hearings to determine release to community custody. |
| • | Provide guidelines for the indeterminate sentence review board, the department of corrections, and the attorney general's office in addressing community custody violations, and the hearing process. |
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 34.05.220 (1)(b).
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 9.94A.712, 9.95.420, 9.95.430, 9.95.435, 9.95.440, and 9.95.900.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: These rules were created to develop procedures to comply with RCW 9.94A.712, 9.95.420, 9.95.430, 9.95.435, 9.95.440, and 9.95.900.
Name of Proponent: Indeterminate sentence review board, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: ISRB Board Members and Staff, Robin Riley, Executive Assistant, 4317 Sixth Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA, (360) 493-9266; Implementation and Enforcement: Margaret M. McKinney, E.D., 4317 Sixth Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA, (360) 493-9266.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. None necessary.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. None necessary.
January 7, 2009
Margaret McKinney
Executive Director
OTS-2066.1
PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING HEARINGS FOR DETERMINATION OF RELEASE TO COMMUNITY CUSTODY
[]
[]
[]
"Actuarial risk assessment instruments" means the tools used by the department of corrections to assess an inmate's risk of reoffense.
"Board" means the appointed members of the indeterminate sentence review board created under chapter 9.95 RCW.
"Classification counselor" means an employee of the department of corrections responsible for carrying out specific duties concerning the supervision of sentenced offenders in the prison system.
"Community custody" means that portion of an offender's sentence of confinement served in the community subject to the controls placed on the offender's movement and activities by the court, board and department of corrections.
"Department" means the Washington state department of corrections.
"End of sentence review process" means the review and report issued by the end of sentence review committee in compliance with RCW 72.09.340, 72.09.345 and where appropriate RCW 72.09.370.
"In person" means physical presence, or presence via teleconference or videoconference.
"ISRB" means the indeterminate sentence review board.
"Revocation" means a repeal of community custody and a return to prison.
[]
(a) The results from the end of sentence review process;
(b) Recommendations for conditions of community custody from the department.
(2) The end of sentence review committee report may include, but is not limited to:
(a) A prediction based upon the administration of actuarial risk assessment instruments and the sexual and criminal history of the offender, of the likelihood that the offender will commit new sex offenses if released;
(b) The institutional progress report(s) covering the inmate's adjustment, achievement, infractions and program participation during incarceration;
(c) Psychiatric or psychological reports, such as IQ appraisals, personality inventories, actuarial risk assessments and sexual history polygraphs;
(d) Behavioral details of the crime(s) of conviction, such as law enforcement reports, prosecutor's statements, court records, and presentence investigation reports;
(e) Recommendations for conditions of community custody in addition to those set by the sentencing court;
(f) The department's risk management level and the sex offender notification level;
(g) Written confirmation that the inmate has had an opportunity to review the information the department is submitting to the board and an opportunity to make a written statement.
(3) The board shall determine whether it is more likely than not that the offender will engage in sex offenses if released to the community in spite of board-imposed conditions of community custody. The board decision related to an offender's likelihood of sexual reoffense is based upon a preponderance of the evidence.
(4) In making a release decision the board may also consider:
(a) The length of time necessary for the offender to complete treatment and programming;
(b) The offender's failure to participate in required evaluations;
(c) The offender's proposed release plan; and
(d) Other pertinent information.
(5) If the board finds the offender not releasable, the board may add up to sixty months to the minimum term.
(6) If the offender is found not releasable and time is added to the minimum term:
(a) The offender may petition for an earlier review when the offender completes required treatment or programming.
(b) The board retains the authority to schedule an earlier review at its discretion.
[]
[]
[]
(1) Upon receipt of the hearing notice, the superintendent or designee shall serve the inmate with the document.
(2) The original hearing notice is to be signed by the inmate with date of service noted and returned to the board headquarters. The department should retain a copy in the inmate's institutional file and provide a copy to the inmate.
(3) In cases where the inmate refuses to sign the notice, the superintendent or designee shall note the date of service and obtain the signature of a witness to such service.
(4) The inmate will be allowed to review a copy of the end of sentence review report with supporting documents prior to the hearing. The inmate shall sign an acknowledgment form that the documents have been reviewed, noting the date and amount of time spent in review. If an interpreter assisted the offender, the interpreter shall also sign and date the acknowledgement form.
(5) The inmate shall be given the opportunity to make a written statement to the board.
[]
(1) To participate in a hearing before a panel of the board and to testify under oath. The board may hold the hearing with the inmate in person or via video conferencing;
(2) To submit letters or statements in support of release;
(3) To review the ESRC report and supporting documents prior to the hearing; and
(4) To receive a written decision from the board.
[]
At the time of the hearing under the provisions of RCW 9.95.420, the presiding member will determine if the inmate was given proper notice of the hearing, was advised of the reason for the hearing, and was properly advised of their rights.
A limited number of observers may be present by prior approval of the panel members conducting the hearing, provided that the superintendent or designee authorizes such observers in the facility.
The board reserves the right to exclude any person from the room during a hearing upon its own motion or the motion of any party to the hearing provided that good cause for such exclusion is articulated on the record.
The presiding member may recess the hearing at any time for consultation with the other panel member(s).
The panel conducting the hearing will submit its recommendation to the full board for final determination.
In the event of a language and/or communication problem, a certified interpreter shall be present to interpret and assist.
The board will accept written information pertaining to the inmate from any interested person.
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
A list of factors that the board may consider includes, but is not limited to:
(1) Refusal to participate in available programs or resources designed to assist an inmate to reduce the risk of reoffense (e.g., stress and anger management, victim awareness, substance abuse treatment, sex offender treatment).
(2) Serious and repetitive disciplinary infractions during incarceration.
(3) Evidence of an inmate's continuing intent or propensity to engage in sex offenses.
(4) Statements or declarations by the inmate of intent not to comply with conditions of community custody.
(5) End of sentence review determination based on actuarial assessments identifying risk to sexually reoffend.
[]
[]
[]
OTS-2067.1
PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING COMMUNITY CUSTODY BOARD VIOLATION HEARINGS
[]
[]
[]
"Appeals panel" means three reviewing officers designated by the chair of the board or their designee with the authority to review decisions made by a board member or hearing officer, and to affirm, reverse, or modify decisions and sanctions in accordance with RCW 9.95.435.
"Board" means the members of the indeterminate sentence review board.
"Community corrections officer (CCO)" means an employee of the department of corrections responsible for carrying out specific duties concerning the supervision of sentenced offenders and monitoring of sentence conditions.
"Community custody" means that portion of an offender's sentence served in the community subject to controls placed on the offender's movement and activities by the board and supervised by the department of corrections. Offenders supervised on "community custody board" placement are those who have been sentenced under RCW 9.94A.712.
"Department" means department of corrections.
"Electronically" when used in reference to submission of documents to the board, means via facsimile, electronic mail or other generally accepted electronic means.
"Graduated sanction system" means structured incremental responses designed to reduce risk to the public, effectively intervene in noncompliant behavior, where possible, repair harm to the community, and make efficient use of limited state resources. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, work release; home detention with electronic monitoring; work crew; community restitution; inpatient treatment; daily reporting; curfew; educational or counseling sessions; supervision enhanced through electronic monitoring; or any other sanctions available in the community; or, may include suspension or revocation of the release to community custody.
"Hearing officer" means a member, employee, or designee of the indeterminate sentence review board authorized to preside over community custody board violation hearings.
"Offender" means any person in the custody of or subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
"On-site desk" means the board's designee that receives notice of violations of community custody board conditions and schedules violation hearings.
"Presiding officer" means a member, employee or designee of the board authorized to act as a hearing officer to preside over community custody board violation hearings.
"Probable cause" means a determination, made by a hearing officer, that there is cause to believe a violation has occurred.
"Stipulated agreement" means an agreement between the offender and the board in which the offender admits violations and agrees to comply with intermediate sanctions. For the purposes of this subsection, "intermediate sanction" means board-imposed sanctions that are served in the community rather than total confinement.
"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 twenty-four hours a day, to include, but not be limited to, adult correctional facilities, camp and prerelease facilities or a county or municipal jail.
"Victim" means any person who has sustained emotional, psychological, physical, or financial injury to person or property as a result of the criminal conduct of the offender. "Victim" also means a parent or guardian of a victim who is a minor child unless the parent or guardian is the perpetrator of the offense.
"Working day" means Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, except for holidays observed by the state of Washington.
[]
(a) Places a high priority on public safety;
(b) Imposes only those reasonable and enforceable conditions of community custody necessary to facilitate the safety of previous victims and potential victims, encourage responsibility, and to assist the offender's lawful reintegration into the community; and
(c) Supports the role and responsibility of the community corrections officer to assist offenders to reenter the community in a law abiding manner.
(2) In making a decision on sanctions, community custody revocation or reinstatement, the indeterminate sentence review board may consider the following factors in addition to factors that are case specific:
(a) Whether or not the community custody violation behavior also resulted in a criminal conviction;
(b) The relationship of the community custody violation behavior to the committing offense and the nature of the violation;
(c) The length of time the offender has been on community custody as well as time previously served on the conviction;
(d) The perspective and recommendation of victim(s) and/or other concerned citizens;
(e) The recommendation and supporting reasons offered by the community corrections officer, the offender and attorney, and the assistant attorney general;
(f) The level of risk to the community posed by the offender;
(g) The previous board action during the period of community custody;
(h) The number of previous violation hearings and offender compliance with resulting sanctions; and
(i) The sanction range under the administrative sanction grid.
[]
[]
[]
[]
[]
(a) That the alleged violations are unfounded; or
(b) That the seriousness of the alleged violations is mitigated by new information; or
(c) That further custody is unwarranted and a community custody board revocation hearing is unnecessary; the officer shall submit a written request for reinstatement or report with recommendations to the ISRB.
(2) The board may exercise the option of administrative reinstatement absent a recommendation of the community corrections officer, when such reinstatement is consistent with criteria identified within WAC 381-100-050 and RCW 9.95.440.
[]
(2) Out of custody. If an out of custody hearing is requested by the community corrections officer and/or ordered by the board, the notice of allegations shall be served on the offender within three working days of written notice of probable cause from the board, but not less than two working days prior to the hearing. The CCO shall submit the notice of allegations electronically to the board with a copy to the attorney general within twenty-four hours of service, excluding weekends and holidays.
(3) New or amended allegations. If, after service of alleged violations as set forth above, the CCO brings forth additional alleged violations or changes to existing alleged violations, the CCO shall cause the offender to be personally served with a copy of the new or amended allegations. The offender will have two working days from the date of service of the new or amended allegations before the board will consider the allegations. The offender may waive the two working days notice and proceed with those new or amended allegations at an already scheduled hearing.
The CCO shall submit such new or amended allegations of violation electronically to the board with a copy to the attorney general within one working day of service on the offender.
(4) Interpreter services. Community corrections officers shall obtain interpreter services for offenders with known language or communication barriers when serving documents. For a board hearing, court-certified interpreters shall be used when possible. The CCO shall obtain interpreter services for the offender's board hearing.
(5) Contents of factual allegations. The factual allegations of the violations of each condition shall include:
(a) The circumstances of the alleged violation(s);
(b) Date of violation or approximation thereof; and
(c) Location or place where violation occurred.
(6) Allegations of a new crime. Whenever an offender is accused of a violation of their community custody that includes the commission of a felony or misdemeanor, the community corrections officer shall advise the board of the status of any pending charge(s). In the case of pending criminal allegations, the board may defer any board hearing pending the outcome or may dismiss without prejudice one or more allegations. If the offender is convicted of a new crime, the CCO shall provide the board with a certified copy of the judgment and sentence.
[]
[]
(2) For community custody board offenders who are not being held in total confinement prior to the hearing, the community corrections officer shall cause the offender to be personally served a violation report within ten working days after receipt of written notice of probable cause from the board.
(3) The violation report shall be submitted to the board and the attorney general within two business days from the date of service of the notice of violations on the offender.
(4) The violation report may be submitted electronically.
(5) The violation report shall contain the following:
(a) The specific conditions alleged to have been violated;
(b) A summary of facts supporting the allegations;
(c) Any mitigating information;
(d) The evidence relating to the violations to be introduced at the hearing; and
(e) A preliminary recommendation for disposition.
(6) The violation report should include a list of witnesses whom the community custody officer may wish to have called for testimony.
[]
(2) The offender and/or attorney may submit information in writing that the board shall consider in an administrative review.
[]
(2) Such notice shall also be provided to the department of corrections, the attorney general, and to counsel for the offender, if retained or appointed, no less than two working days prior to the hearing.
(3) The board reserves the right to select and change the place of the community custody board violation hearing.
(4) The CCO will arrange interpreter services for offenders with known language or communication barriers for violation hearings and will provide the information to the board prior to the scheduling of a hearing.
[]
(2) The board shall notify the offender of the right to:
(a) Be present during the fact finding and disposition phases of the hearing. If the offender refuses to participate in the hearing, the board may conduct the hearing in the absence of the offender and may impose sanctions that could include loss of liberty of the offender;
(b) Have the assistance of an interpreter if the offender has a language or communications barrier;
(c) Testify or remain silent;
(d) Call witnesses and present documentary evidence, provided, however:
(i) At an in-custody hearing, outside witnesses may be excluded due to institutional or community concerns; or
(ii) The presiding officer may exclude persons from the hearing upon a finding of good cause; or
(iii) The presiding officer may allow a witness to testify outside of the offender's presence when there is substantial likelihood that the witness will not be able to give effective, truthful testimony in the presence of the offender during the hearing. The offender may submit a list of questions to ask such witness and testimony may be limited to evidence relevant to the issues under consideration;
(iv) The presiding officer may allow telephonic testimony of witnesses.
(e) Question witnesses who testify;
(f) Be represented by counsel if revocation of the release to community custody is a probable sanction for the violation;
(g) Receive a copy of the findings and conclusions. This includes the evidence relied upon, a finding of guilty or not guilty, the reasons to support the findings, and any sanction(s) imposed;
(h) Receive notice of the right to appeal the sanction to the board; and
(i) Receive notice of the right to file a personal restraint petition under court rules after the final decision of the board.
(3) The board may not revoke the release to community custody of any offender who was not represented by counsel at the hearing, unless the offender has:
(a) Waived the right to counsel; and/or
(b) Waived their right to appear; and/or
(c) Refused to participate in the hearing.
[]
[]
(2) The offender or defense counsel shall provide to all parties, including the board, such documents, materials, and information that may be introduced at the hearing.
(3) The community corrections officer and defense shall provide to all parties, including the board, a list of witnesses they may wish to call for testimony.
(4) In addition, the CCO must provide to the offender and/or offender's attorney any material or information within the CCO's knowledge or possession which tends to negate and/or mitigate the offender's guilt as to the violations charged.
[]
[]
(2) Every subpoena, where authorized by law, shall state "indeterminate sentence review board," and the title of the proceeding. The subpoena shall command the person to whom it is directed to attend and/or give testimony or produce designated documents at a specified time and place.
(3) Subpoenas requiring the attendance and/or testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence may be issued upon application of any party, provided that such subpoenas are executed without expense to the board.
[]
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Rule on all procedural matters, objections, and motions;
(3) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
(4) Question witnesses to develop any facts deemed necessary to fairly and adequately decide the matter;
(5) Render or defer a decision; and
(6) Take any other action necessary and authorized by these rules and the law.
[]
(1) Simplification of the issues;
(2) Amendments to any of the papers filed with the board;
(3) Obtaining stipulations, admissions of fact, and documents;
(4) Limitation of the number of witnesses; and
(5) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the proceeding.
[]
[]
(1) Attorneys at law, qualified and entitled to practice before the supreme court of the state of Washington.
(2) Law students admitted to practice under admission to practice rule 9 may represent the department of corrections, with the prior permission of the presiding officer.
(3) Out-of-state attorneys must comply with admission to practice rule 7 (see Washington court rules).
[]
(2) The board may decline to permit any person who does not conform to such standards to appear before it or any designee.
[]
(2) The presiding officer may limit the number of witnesses and the scope of the testimony to matters relevant to the allegations and/or disposition.
(3) Witnesses may be excluded from in-person appearance as follows:
(a) Due to facility concerns; or
(b) Upon a finding of good cause by the presiding officer.
(4) In addition, the presiding officer may exclude a witness from testifying at a hearing or may require a witness to testify outside of the presence of the offender when there is a substantial likelihood that the witness will not be able to give effective, truthful testimony in the offender's presence during the hearing.
(a) In this circumstance, if the offender is not represented by counsel, the offender shall be provided the opportunity to submit a list of questions for any witness testifying outside of their presence.
(b) If the offender is represented by counsel, the attorney shall be allowed to question the witness on the record, but outside the presence of the offender.
(5) In all cases, the presiding officer shall take reasonable precautions related to the safety concerns of witnesses.
[]
(2) Requests for continuances must arrive at the board offices in Olympia not less than twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled hearing. The presiding officer shall consider whether the request was timely and made for good cause and whether the offender will be substantially prejudiced in the presentation of their defense.
(3) The board may continue a hearing on its own motion if local prosecution is pending or if other circumstances require rescheduling.
(4) The board will notify all parties when continuances are granted.
(5) During a community custody board violation hearing, the presiding officer may, in their discretion or upon motion of counsel, continue the hearing for the introduction of additional evidence, presentation or argument.
[]
[]
(2) In passing upon admissibility of evidence, the presiding officer shall give consideration to, but shall not be bound to follow, the rules of evidence governing civil proceedings, in matters not involving trial by jury, in the superior courts in the state of Washington.
(3) When objection is made to the admissibility of evidence, the evidence may be received subject to a later ruling.
(4) The presiding officer may, in his or her discretion, either with or without objection, exclude inadmissible evidence, or order cumulative evidence discontinued.
(5) Parties objecting to the introduction of evidence shall state the precise grounds of objection at the time such evidence is offered.
(6) A certified laboratory report or a copy of such shall be admissible without further authentication.
[]
(2) No finding of a violation of conditions may be based on hearsay evidence alone.
(3) If the presiding officer concludes that the alleged violations of conditions of community custody have not been proven by a preponderance of evidence, the offender shall be reinstated on community custody on the same or modified conditions.
(4) If the presiding officer concludes that the alleged violations of conditions of community custody have been proven by a preponderance of the evidence, the presiding officer may impose sanctions in accordance with an adopted graduated sanction grid. If the sanction is revocation of the offender's community custody, the board shall enter an order of community custody revocation and return the offender to prison.
(5) After issuance of a revocation sanction, the board will set a new minimum term in a timely manner.
(6) An offender convicted and sentenced to incarceration on a new criminal charge will have the right to a dispositional violation hearing by the board. The board may:
(a) Revoke the community custody of the offender and enter an order of community custody revocation.
(b) Reinstate the offender on community custody supervision under the same or modified conditions.
(7) The presiding officer shall make written findings and conclusions concerning the allegations in a timely manner following the decision.
[]
[]
(2) The chair of the board or the chair's designee shall appoint a panel of three reviewing examiners to consider the appeal.
(3) The sanction shall be reversed or modified if a majority of the panel finds that the sanction was not reasonably related to any of the following:
(a) The crime of conviction;
(b) The violation committed;
(c) The offender's risk of reoffending; or
(d) The safety of the community.
[]