S-4505.1  _______________________________________________

 

                    SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6742

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

 

By Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Costa, Hargrove, Long, Winsley and Patterson)

 

Read first time 02/04/2000.

Providing for additional consideration of victims in the juvenile justice system.


    AN ACT Relating to the rights of victims of juvenile offenders; and amending RCW 7.69.020, 13.40.010, 13.40.020, 13.40.070, 13.40.077, 13.40.080, and 13.40.160.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 7.69.020 and 1993 c 350 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

    (1) "Crime" means an act, alleged or determined in superior court, juvenile court, or any district or municipal court to have happened, and which is punishable as a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor under the laws of this state or equivalent federal or local law.

    (2) "Survivor" or "survivors" of a victim of crime means a spouse, child, parent, legal guardian, sibling, or grandparent.  If there is more than one survivor of a victim of crime, one survivor shall be designated by the prosecutor to represent all survivors for purposes of providing the notice to survivors required by this chapter.

    (3) "Victim" means a person against whom a crime has been committed or the representative of a person against whom a crime has been committed.

    (4) "Victim impact statement" means a statement submitted to the court by the victim or a survivor, individually or with the assistance of the prosecuting attorney if assistance is requested by the victim or survivor, which may include but is not limited to information assessing the financial, medical, social, and psychological impact of the offense upon the victim or survivors.

    (5) "Witness" means a person who has been or is expected to be summoned to testify for the prosecution in a criminal action, or who by reason of having relevant information is subject to call or likely to be called as a witness for the prosecution, whether or not an action or proceeding has been commenced.

    (6) "Crime victim/witness program" means any crime victim and witness program of a county or local law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office, any rape crisis center's sexual assault victim advocacy program as provided in chapter 70.125 RCW, any domestic violence program's legal and community advocate program for domestic violence victims as provided in chapter 70.123 RCW, or any other crime victim advocacy program which provides trained advocates to assist crime victims during the investigation and prosecution of the crime.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 13.40.010 and 1997 c 338 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) This chapter shall be known and cited as the Juvenile Justice Act ((of 1977)).

    (2) It is the intent of the legislature that a system capable of having primary responsibility for, being accountable for, and responding to the needs of youthful offenders, and their victims, as defined by this chapter, be established.  It is the further intent of the legislature that youth, in turn, be held accountable for their offenses and that communities, families, and the juvenile courts carry out their functions consistent with this intent.  To effectuate these policies, the legislature declares the following to be equally important purposes of this chapter:

    (a) Protect the citizenry from criminal behavior;

    (b) Provide for determining whether accused juveniles have committed offenses as defined by this chapter;

    (c) Make the juvenile offender accountable for his or her criminal behavior;

    (d) Provide for punishment commensurate with the age, crime, and criminal history of the juvenile offender;

    (e) Provide due process for juveniles alleged to have committed an offense;

    (f) Provide necessary treatment, supervision, and custody for juvenile offenders;

    (g) Provide for the handling of juvenile offenders by communities whenever consistent with public safety;

    (h) Provide for restitution to victims of crime;

    (i) Develop effective standards and goals for the operation, funding, and evaluation of all components of the juvenile justice system and related services at the state and local levels;

    (j) Provide for a clear policy to determine what types of offenders shall receive punishment, treatment, or both, and to determine the jurisdictional limitations of the courts, institutions, and community services; ((and))

    (k) Encourage the parents, guardian, or custodian of the juvenile to actively participate in the juvenile justice process; and

    (l) Making each victim of a juvenile offender whole to the fullest extent possible by addressing the violation against the victim; restoring a victim's sense of safety; having the justice process acknowledge the impact the crime has had upon the victim and considering how the system participants can include the victim's position to the extent the victim is able or chooses to participate, at important junctures of the case and at disposition; and addressing the victim's needs and concerns.

 

    Sec. 3.  RCW 13.40.020 and 1997 c 338 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

    For the purposes of this chapter:

    (1) "Community-based rehabilitation" means one or more of the following:  Employment; attendance of information classes; literacy classes; counseling, outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, outpatient mental health programs, anger management classes, education or outpatient treatment programs to prevent animal cruelty, or other services; or attendance at school or other educational programs appropriate for the juvenile as determined by the school district.  Placement in community-based rehabilitation programs is subject to available funds;

    (2) Community-based sanctions may include one or more of the following:

    (a) A fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars;

    (b) Community service not to exceed one hundred fifty hours of service;

    (3) "Community service" means compulsory service, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the offender as punishment for committing an offense.  Community service may be performed through public or private organizations or through work crews;

    (4) "Community supervision" means an order of disposition by the court of an adjudicated youth not committed to the department or an order granting a deferred disposition.  A community supervision order for a single offense may be for a period of up to two years for a sex offense as defined by RCW 9.94A.030 and up to one year for other offenses.  As a mandatory condition of any term of community supervision, the court shall order the juvenile to refrain from committing new offenses.  As a mandatory condition of community supervision, the court shall order the juvenile to comply with the mandatory school attendance provisions of chapter 28A.225 RCW and to inform the school of the existence of this requirement.  Community supervision is an individualized program comprised of one or more of the following:

    (a) Community-based sanctions;

    (b) Community-based rehabilitation;

    (c) Monitoring and reporting requirements;

    (d) Posting of a probation bond;

    (5) "Confinement" means physical custody by the department of social and health services in a facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with the state, or physical custody in a detention facility operated by or pursuant to a contract with any county.  The county may operate or contract with vendors to operate county detention facilities.  The department may operate or contract to operate detention facilities for juveniles committed to the department.  Pretrial confinement or confinement of less than thirty-one days imposed as part of a disposition or modification order may be served consecutively or intermittently, in the discretion of the court;

    (6) "Court," when used without further qualification, means the juvenile court judge(s) or commissioner(s);

    (7) "Criminal history" includes all criminal complaints against the respondent for which, prior to the commission of a current offense:

    (a) The allegations were found correct by a court.  If a respondent is convicted of two or more charges arising out of the same course of conduct, only the highest charge from among these shall count as an offense for the purposes of this chapter; or

    (b) The criminal complaint was diverted by a prosecutor pursuant to the provisions of this chapter on agreement of the respondent and after an advisement to the respondent that the criminal complaint would be considered as part of the respondent's criminal history.  A successfully completed deferred adjudication that was entered before July 1, 1998, or a deferred disposition shall not be considered part of the respondent's criminal history;

    (8) "Department" means the department of social and health services;

    (9) "Detention facility" means a county facility, paid for by the county, for the physical confinement of a juvenile alleged to have committed an offense or an adjudicated offender subject to a disposition or modification order.  "Detention facility" includes county group homes, inpatient substance abuse programs, juvenile basic training camps, and electronic monitoring;

    (10) "Diversion unit" means any probation counselor who enters into a diversion agreement with an alleged youthful offender, or any other person, community accountability board, or other entity except a law enforcement official or entity, with whom the juvenile court administrator has contracted to arrange and supervise such agreements pursuant to RCW 13.40.080, or any person, community accountability board, or other entity specially funded by the legislature to arrange and supervise diversion agreements in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.  For purposes of this subsection, "community accountability board" means a board comprised of members of the local community in which the juvenile offender resides.  The superior court shall appoint the members.  The boards shall consist of at least three and not more than seven members.  If possible, the board should include a variety of representatives from the community, such as a law enforcement officer, teacher or school administrator, high school student, parent, and business owner, and should represent the cultural diversity of the local community;

    (11) "Foster care" means temporary physical care in a foster family home or group care facility as defined in RCW 74.15.020 and licensed by the department, or other legally authorized care;

    (12) "Institution" means a juvenile facility established pursuant to chapters 72.05 and 72.16 through 72.20 RCW;

    (13) "Intensive supervision program" means a parole program that requires intensive supervision and monitoring, offers an array of individualized treatment and transitional services, and emphasizes community involvement and support in order to reduce the likelihood a juvenile offender will commit further offenses;

    (14) "Juvenile," "youth," and "child" mean any individual who is under the chronological age of eighteen years and who has not been previously transferred to adult court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110 or who is otherwise under adult court jurisdiction;

    (15) "Juvenile offender" means any juvenile who has been found by the juvenile court to have committed an offense, including a person eighteen years of age or older over whom jurisdiction has been extended under RCW 13.40.300;

    (16) "Local sanctions" means one or more of the following:  (a) 0‑30 days of confinement; (b) 0‑12 months of community supervision; (c) 0‑150 hours of community service; or (d) $0‑$500 fine;

    (17) "Manifest injustice" means a disposition that would either impose an excessive penalty on the juvenile or would impose a serious, and clear danger to society in light of the purposes of this chapter;

    (18) "Monitoring and reporting requirements" means one or more of the following:  Curfews; requirements to remain at home, school, work, or court-ordered treatment programs during specified hours; restrictions from leaving or entering specified geographical areas; requirements to report to the probation officer as directed and to remain under the probation officer's supervision; and other conditions or limitations as the court may require which may not include confinement;

    (19) "Offense" means an act designated a violation or a crime if committed by an adult under the law of this state, under any ordinance of any city or county of this state, under any federal law, or under the law of another state if the act occurred in that state;

    (20) "Probation bond" means a bond, posted with sufficient security by a surety justified and approved by the court, to secure the offender's appearance at required court proceedings and compliance with court-ordered community supervision or conditions of release ordered pursuant to RCW 13.40.040 or 13.40.050.  It also means a deposit of cash or posting of other collateral in lieu of a bond if approved by the court;

    (21) "Respondent" means a juvenile who is alleged or proven to have committed an offense;

    (22) "Restitution" means financial reimbursement by the offender to the victim, and shall be limited to easily ascertainable damages for injury to or loss of property, actual expenses incurred for medical treatment for physical injury to persons, lost wages resulting from physical injury, and costs of the victim's counseling reasonably related to the offense if the offense is a sex offense.  Restitution shall not include reimbursement for damages for mental anguish, pain and suffering, or other intangible losses.  Nothing in this chapter shall limit or replace civil remedies or defenses available to the victim or offender;

    (23) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of social and health services.  "Assistant secretary" means the assistant secretary for juvenile rehabilitation for the department;

    (24) "Services" means services which provide alternatives to incarceration for those juveniles who have pleaded or been adjudicated guilty of an offense or have signed a diversion agreement pursuant to this chapter;

    (25) "Sex offense" means an offense defined as a sex offense in RCW 9.94A.030;

    (26) "Sexual motivation" means that one of the purposes for which the respondent committed the offense was for the purpose of his or her sexual gratification;

    (27) "Surety" means an entity licensed under state insurance laws or by the state department of licensing, to write corporate, property, or probation bonds within the state, and justified and approved by the superior court of the county having jurisdiction of the case;

    (28) "Victim" means any person who has sustained emotional, psychological, physical, or financial injury to person or property as a result of the offense charged.  "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 charged.

    (29) "Violation" means an act or omission, which if committed by an adult, must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and is punishable by sanctions which do not include incarceration;

    (((29))) (30) "Violent offense" means a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 13.40.070 and 1997 c 338 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Complaints referred to the juvenile court alleging the commission of an offense shall be referred directly to the prosecutor.  The prosecutor, upon receipt of a complaint, shall screen the complaint to determine whether:

    (a) The alleged facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court; and

    (b) On a basis of available evidence there is probable cause to believe that the juvenile did commit the offense.

    (2) If the identical alleged acts constitute an offense under both the law of this state and an ordinance of any city or county of this state, state law shall govern the prosecutor's screening and charging decision for both filed and diverted cases.

    (3) If the requirements of subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section are met, the prosecutor shall either file an information in juvenile court or divert the case, as set forth in subsections (5), (6), and (7) of this section.  If the prosecutor finds that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are not met, the prosecutor shall maintain a record, for one year, of such decision and the reasons therefor.  In lieu of filing an information or diverting an offense a prosecutor may file a motion to modify community supervision where such offense constitutes a violation of community supervision.

    (4) An information shall be a plain, concise, and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged.  It shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney and conform to chapter 10.37 RCW.

    (5) Where a case is legally sufficient, the prosecutor shall file an information with the juvenile court if:

    (a) An alleged offender is accused of a class A felony, a class B felony, an attempt to commit a class B felony, a class C felony listed in RCW 9.94A.440(2) as a crime against persons or listed in RCW 9A.46.060 as a crime of harassment, or a class C felony that is a violation of RCW 9.41.080 or 9.41.040(1)(b)(iii); or

    (b) An alleged offender is accused of a felony and has a criminal history of any felony, or at least two gross misdemeanors, or at least two misdemeanors; or

    (c) An alleged offender has previously been committed to the department; or

    (d) An alleged offender has been referred by a diversion unit for prosecution or desires prosecution instead of diversion; or

    (e) An alleged offender has two or more diversion contracts on the alleged offender's criminal history; or

    (f) A special allegation has been filed that the offender or an accomplice was armed with a firearm when the offense was committed.

    (6) Where a case is legally sufficient the prosecutor shall divert the case if the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or violation and the alleged offense is the offender's first offense or violation.  If the alleged offender is charged with a related offense that must or may be filed under subsections (5) and (7) of this section, a case under this subsection may also be filed.

    (7) Where a case is legally sufficient and falls into neither subsection (5) nor (6) of this section, it may be filed or diverted.  In deciding whether to file or divert an offense under this section the prosecutor shall be guided only by the length, seriousness, and recency of the alleged offender's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense.

    (8) Whenever a juvenile is placed in custody or, where not placed in custody, referred to a diversion interview, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile shall be notified as soon as possible concerning the allegation made against the juvenile and the current status of the juvenile.  ((Where a case involves victims of crimes against persons or victims whose property has not been recovered at the time a juvenile is referred to a diversion unit, the victim shall be notified of the referral and informed how to contact the unit.))

    (9) If a prosecuting attorney files an information under subsection (5) of this section, he or she shall notify the victim of the filing.  The prosecuting attorney responsible for making the decision whether to file an information or divert the juvenile under subsection (7) of this section shall notify each victim of the decision which is made.  However, if the juvenile is automatically diverted under subsection (6) of this section, the prosecuting attorney may notify each victim of the diversion.  If a decision is made to not file an information or divert the juvenile, the prosecuting attorney shall include a description of any appropriate procedures available to a victim to initiate a criminal proceeding.  Notice to a victim under this subsection shall be made within five days of reaching the decision, and the prosecuting attorney shall, upon request of any victim, provide information to the victim on the status of the case.

    (10) The responsibilities of the prosecutor under subsections (1) through (8) of this section may be performed by a juvenile court probation counselor for any complaint referred to the court alleging the commission of an offense which would not be a felony if committed by an adult, if the prosecutor has given sufficient written notice to the juvenile court that the prosecutor will not review such complaints.

    (((10))) (11) The prosecutor, juvenile court probation counselor, or diversion unit may, in exercising their authority under this section or RCW 13.40.080, refer juveniles to mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs.  Such mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs shall be voluntary for victims.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 13.40.077 and 1997 c 338 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

                 RECOMMENDED PROSECUTING STANDARDS

                FOR CHARGING AND PLEA DISPOSITIONS

 

    INTRODUCTION:  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.

    Evidentiary sufficiency.

    (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.  The decision not to prosecute or divert shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the suspect.

    GUIDELINES/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;

    (ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence;

    (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.  The 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 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.

    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 proved under RCW 13.40.160(((4))) (3).

    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.

    The categorization of crimes for these charging standards shall be the same as found in RCW 9.94A.440(2).

    The decision to prosecute or use diversion shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent.

    (3) Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge

    (a) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of the respondent's conduct.  Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:

    (i) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or

    (ii) Will result in restitution to all victims.

    (b) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea.  Overcharging includes:

    (i) Charging a higher degree;

    (ii) Charging additional counts.

    This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a respondent'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.

    (4) 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.

    (5) 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.

    (6) 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.

    (7) Prefiling Discussions with Defendant

    Discussions with the defendant or his or her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached.

    (8) Plea dispositions:

    STANDARD

    (a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a respondent 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.

    (b) In certain circumstances, a plea agreement with a respondent 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:

    (i) Evidentiary problems which make conviction of the original charges doubtful;

    (ii) The respondent's willingness to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of others whose criminal conduct is more serious or represents a greater public threat;

    (iii) A request by the victim when it is not the result of pressure from the respondent;

    (iv) The discovery of facts which mitigate the seriousness of the respondent's conduct;

    (v) The correction of errors in the initial charging decision;

    (vi) The respondent's history with respect to criminal activity;

    (vii) The nature and seriousness of the offense or offenses charged;

    (viii) The probable effect of witnesses.

    (c) In a case involving a crime against a person, as set forth in RCW 9.94A.440, the prosecuting attorney shall: (i) Make reasonable efforts to inform each victim of the offense of the nature of, and any reasons for, any plea agreement, including all offenses the prosecutor has agreed not to file; and (ii) ascertain any objections or comments the victim has to the plea agreement.

    (d) No plea agreement shall be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent.  This includes but is not limited to the prosecutor's decision to utilize such disposition alternatives as the Special Sex Offender Disposition Alternative, the Chemical Dependency Disposition Alternative, and manifest injustice.

    (9) Disposition recommendations:

    STANDARD

    The prosecutor may reach an agreement regarding disposition recommendations.

    The prosecutor shall not agree to withhold relevant information from the court concerning the plea agreement.

 

    Sec. 6.  RCW 13.40.080 and 1999 c 91 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A diversion agreement shall be a contract between a juvenile accused of an offense and a diversionary unit whereby the juvenile agrees to fulfill certain conditions in lieu of prosecution.  Such agreements may be entered into only after the prosecutor, or probation counselor pursuant to this chapter, has determined that probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed and that the juvenile committed it.  Such agreements shall be entered into as expeditiously as possible.

    (2) A diversion agreement shall ((be limited to)) require restitution to each victim in the amount of actual loss incurred by the victim and, in addition, may include one or more of the following:

    (a) Community service not to exceed one hundred fifty hours, not to be performed during school hours if the juvenile is attending school;

    (b) ((Restitution limited to the amount of actual loss incurred by the victim;

    (c))) Attendance at up to ten hours of counseling and/or up to twenty hours of educational or informational sessions at a community agency.  The educational or informational sessions may include sessions relating to respect for self, others, and authority; victim awareness; accountability; self-worth; responsibility; work ethics; good citizenship; literacy; and life skills.  For purposes of this section, "community agency" may also mean a community-based nonprofit organization, if approved by the diversion unit.  The state shall not be liable for costs resulting from the diversionary unit exercising the option to permit diversion agreements to mandate attendance at up to ten hours of counseling and/or up to twenty hours of educational or informational sessions;

    (((d))) (c) A fine, not to exceed one hundred dollars.  In determining the amount of the fine, the diversion unit shall consider only the juvenile's financial resources and whether the juvenile has the means to pay the fine.  The diversion unit shall not consider the financial resources of the juvenile's parents, guardian, or custodian in determining the fine to be imposed;

    (((e))) (d) Requirements to remain during specified hours at home, school, or work, and restrictions on leaving or entering specified geographical areas; and

    (((f))) (e) Upon request of the victim or witness, requirements to refrain from any contact with victims or witnesses of offenses committed by the juvenile.

    (3) In assessing periods of community service to be performed and restitution to be paid by a juvenile who has entered into a diversion agreement, the court officer to whom this task is assigned shall consult with the juvenile's custodial parent or parents or guardian and victims who have contacted the diversionary unit and, to the extent possible, involve members of the community.  Such members of the community shall meet with the juvenile and advise the court officer as to the terms of the diversion agreement and shall supervise the juvenile in carrying out its terms.

    (4)(a) A diversion agreement may not exceed a period of six months and may include a period extending beyond the eighteenth birthday of the divertee.

    (b) If additional time is necessary for the juvenile to complete restitution to the victim, the time period limitations of this subsection may be extended by an additional six months.

    (c) If the juvenile has not paid the full amount of restitution by the end of the additional six-month period, then the juvenile shall be referred to the juvenile court for entry of an order establishing the amount of restitution still owed to the victim.  In this order, the court shall also determine the terms and conditions of the restitution, including a payment plan extending up to ten years if the court determines that the juvenile does not have the means to make full restitution over a shorter period.  For the purposes of this subsection (4)(c), the juvenile shall remain under the court's jurisdiction for a maximum term of ten years after the juvenile's eighteenth birthday.  Prior to the expiration of the initial ten-year period, the juvenile court may extend the judgment for restitution an additional ten years.  The court may not require the juvenile to pay full or partial restitution if the juvenile reasonably satisfies the court that he or she does not have the means to make full or partial restitution and could not reasonably acquire the means to pay the restitution over a ten-year period.  The county clerk shall make disbursements to victims named in the order.  The restitution to victims named in the order shall be paid prior to any payment for other penalties or monetary assessments.  ((A juvenile under obligation to pay restitution may petition the court for modification of the restitution order.))

    (5) The juvenile shall retain the right to be referred to the court at any time prior to the signing of the diversion agreement.

    (6) Divertees and potential divertees shall be afforded due process in all contacts with a diversionary unit regardless of whether the juveniles are accepted for diversion or whether the diversion program is successfully completed.  Such due process shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

    (a) A written diversion agreement shall be executed stating all conditions in clearly understandable language;

    (b) Violation of the terms of the agreement shall be the only grounds for termination;

    (c) No divertee may be terminated from a diversion program without being given a court hearing, which hearing shall be preceded by:

    (i) Written notice of alleged violations of the conditions of the diversion program; and

    (ii) Disclosure of all evidence to be offered against the divertee;

    (d) The hearing shall be conducted by the juvenile court and shall include:

    (i) Opportunity to be heard in person and to present evidence;

    (ii) The right to confront and cross-examine all adverse witnesses;

    (iii) A written statement by the court as to the evidence relied on and the reasons for termination, should that be the decision; and

    (iv) Demonstration by evidence that the divertee has substantially violated the terms of his or her diversion agreement.

    (e) The prosecutor may file an information on the offense for which the divertee was diverted:

    (i) In juvenile court if the divertee is under eighteen years of age; or

    (ii) In superior court or the appropriate court of limited jurisdiction if the divertee is eighteen years of age or older.

    (7) The diversion unit shall, subject to available funds, be responsible for providing interpreters when juveniles need interpreters to effectively communicate during diversion unit hearings or negotiations.

    (8) The diversion unit shall be responsible for advising a divertee of his or her rights as provided in this chapter.

    (9) The diversion unit may refer a juvenile to community-based counseling or treatment programs.

    (10) The right to counsel shall inure prior to the initial interview for purposes of advising the juvenile as to whether he or she desires to participate in the diversion process or to appear in the juvenile court.  The juvenile may be represented by counsel at any critical stage of the diversion process, including intake interviews and termination hearings.  The juvenile shall be fully advised at the intake of his or her right to an attorney and of the relevant services an attorney can provide.  For the purpose of this section, intake interviews mean all interviews regarding the diversion agreement process.

    The juvenile shall be advised that a diversion agreement shall constitute a part of the juvenile's criminal history as defined by RCW 13.40.020(7).  A signed acknowledgment of such advisement shall be obtained from the juvenile, and the document shall be maintained by the diversionary unit together with the diversion agreement, and a copy of both documents shall be delivered to the prosecutor if requested by the prosecutor.  The supreme court shall promulgate rules setting forth the content of such advisement in simple language.

    (11) When a juvenile enters into a diversion agreement, the juvenile court may receive only the following information for dispositional purposes:

    (a) The fact that a charge or charges were made;

    (b) The fact that a diversion agreement was entered into;

    (c) The juvenile's obligations under such agreement;

    (d) Whether the alleged offender performed his or her obligations under such agreement; and

    (e) The facts of the alleged offense.

    (12) A diversionary unit may refuse to enter into a diversion agreement with a juvenile.  When a diversionary unit refuses to enter a diversion agreement with a juvenile, it shall immediately refer such juvenile to the court for action and shall forward to the court the criminal complaint and a detailed statement of its reasons for refusing to enter into a diversion agreement.  The diversionary unit shall also immediately refer the case to the prosecuting attorney for action if such juvenile violates the terms of the diversion agreement.

    (13) A diversionary unit may, in instances where it determines that the act or omission of an act for which a juvenile has been referred to it involved no victim, or where it determines that the juvenile referred to it has no prior criminal history and is alleged to have committed an illegal act involving no threat of or instance of actual physical harm and involving not more than fifty dollars in property loss or damage and that there is no loss outstanding to the person or firm suffering such damage or loss, counsel and release or release such a juvenile without entering into a diversion agreement.  A diversion unit's authority to counsel and release a juvenile under this subsection shall include the authority to refer the juvenile to community-based counseling or treatment programs.  Any juvenile released under this subsection shall be advised that the act or omission of any act for which he or she had been referred shall constitute a part of the juvenile's criminal history as defined by RCW 13.40.020(7).  A signed acknowledgment of such advisement shall be obtained from the juvenile, and the document shall be maintained by the unit, and a copy of the document shall be delivered to the prosecutor if requested by the prosecutor.  The supreme court shall promulgate rules setting forth the content of such advisement in simple language.  A juvenile determined to be eligible by a diversionary unit for release as provided in this subsection shall retain the same right to counsel and right to have his or her case referred to the court for formal action as any other juvenile referred to the unit.

    (14) A diversion unit may supervise the fulfillment of a diversion agreement entered into before the juvenile's eighteenth birthday and which includes a period extending beyond the divertee's eighteenth birthday.

    (15) If a fine required by a diversion agreement cannot reasonably be paid due to a change of circumstance, the diversion agreement may be modified at the request of the divertee and with the concurrence of the diversion unit to convert an unpaid fine into community service.  The modification of the diversion agreement shall be in writing and signed by the divertee and the diversion unit.  The number of hours of community service in lieu of a monetary penalty shall be converted at the rate of the prevailing state minimum wage per hour.

    (16) Fines imposed under this section shall be collected and paid into the county general fund in accordance with procedures established by the juvenile court administrator under RCW 13.04.040 and may be used only for juvenile services.  In the expenditure of funds for juvenile services, there shall be a maintenance of effort whereby counties exhaust existing resources before using amounts collected under this section.

 

    Sec. 7.  RCW 13.40.160 and 1999 c 91 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) The standard range disposition for a juvenile adjudicated of an offense is determined according to RCW 13.40.0357.

    (a) When the court sentences an offender to a local sanction as provided in RCW 13.40.0357 option A, the court shall impose a determinate disposition within the standard ranges, except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section.  The disposition may be comprised of one or more local sanctions.

    (b) When the court sentences an offender to a standard range as provided in RCW 13.40.0357 option A that includes a term of confinement exceeding thirty days, commitment shall be to the department for the standard range of confinement, except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this section.

    (2) If the court concludes, and enters reasons for its conclusion, that disposition within the standard range would effectuate a manifest injustice the court shall impose a disposition outside the standard range, as indicated in option C of RCW 13.40.0357.  The court's finding of manifest injustice shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence.

    A disposition outside the standard range shall be determinate and shall be comprised of confinement or community supervision, or a combination thereof.  When a judge finds a manifest injustice and imposes a sentence of confinement exceeding thirty days, the court shall sentence the juvenile to a maximum term, and the provisions of RCW 13.40.030(2) shall be used to determine the range.  A disposition outside the standard range is appealable under RCW 13.40.230 by the state or the respondent.  A disposition within the standard range is not appealable under RCW 13.40.230.

    (3) When a juvenile offender is found to have committed a sex offense, other than a sex offense that is also a serious violent offense as defined by RCW 9.94A.030, and has no history of a prior sex offense, the court, on its own motion or the motion of the state or the respondent, may order an examination to determine whether the respondent is amenable to treatment.

    The report of the examination shall include at a minimum the following:  The respondent's version of the facts and the official version of the facts, the respondent's offense history, an assessment of problems in addition to alleged deviant behaviors, the respondent's social, educational, and employment situation, and other evaluation measures used.  The report shall set forth the sources of the evaluator's information.

    The examiner shall assess and report regarding the respondent's amenability to treatment and relative risk to the community.  A proposed treatment plan shall be provided and shall include, at a minimum:

    (a)(i) Frequency and type of contact between the offender and therapist;

    (ii) Specific issues to be addressed in the treatment and description of planned treatment modalities;

    (iii) Monitoring plans, including any requirements regarding living conditions, lifestyle requirements, and monitoring by family members, legal guardians, or others;

    (iv) Anticipated length of treatment; and

    (v) Recommended crime-related prohibitions.

    The court on its own motion may order, or on a motion by the state shall order, a second examination regarding the offender's amenability to treatment.  The evaluator shall be selected by the party making the motion.  The defendant shall pay the cost of any second examination ordered unless the court finds the defendant to be indigent in which case the state shall pay the cost.

    After receipt of reports of the examination, the court shall then consider whether the offender and the community will benefit from use of this special sex offender disposition alternative and consider the victim's opinion whether the offender should receive a treatment disposition under this section.  If the court determines that this special sex offender disposition alternative is appropriate, then the court shall impose a determinate disposition within the standard range for the offense, or if the court concludes, and enters reasons for its conclusions, that such disposition would cause a manifest injustice, the court shall impose a disposition under option C, and the court may suspend the execution of the disposition and place the offender on community supervision for at least two years.  As a condition of the suspended disposition, the court may impose the conditions of community supervision and other conditions, including up to thirty days of confinement and requirements that the offender do any one or more of the following:

    (b)(i) Devote time to a specific education, employment, or occupation;

    (ii) Undergo available outpatient sex offender treatment for up to two years, or inpatient sex offender treatment not to exceed the standard range of confinement for that offense.  A community mental health center may not be used for such treatment unless it has an appropriate program designed for sex offender treatment.  The respondent shall not change sex offender treatment providers or treatment conditions without first notifying the prosecutor, the probation counselor, and the court, and shall not change providers without court approval after a hearing if the prosecutor or probation counselor object to the change;

    (iii) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the probation counselor prior to any change in the offender's address, educational program, or employment;

    (iv) Report to the prosecutor and the probation counselor prior to any change in a sex offender treatment provider.  This change shall have prior approval by the court;

    (v) Report as directed to the court and a probation counselor;

    (vi) Pay all court-ordered legal financial obligations, perform community service, or any combination thereof;

    (vii) Make restitution to the victim for the cost of any counseling reasonably related to the offense; or

    (viii) Comply with the conditions of any court-ordered probation bond((; or

    (ix))).

    The court shall inquire of any victim whether the victim wishes the entry of an order that the offender not attend the public or approved elementary, middle, or high school of the victim or the victim's siblings.  If the victim indicates his or her desire to have such an order entered, or upon the motion of the prosecutor, the court shall order that the offender ((may)) not attend the public or approved private elementary, middle, or high school attended by the victim or the victim's siblings.  The parents or legal guardians of the offender are responsible for transportation or other costs associated with the offender's change of school that would otherwise be paid by the school district.  The court shall send notice of the disposition and restriction on attending the same school as the victim or victim's siblings to the public or approved private school the juvenile will attend, if known, or if unknown, to the approved private schools and the public school district board of directors of the district in which the juvenile resides or intends to reside.  This notice must be sent at the earliest possible date but not later than ten calendar days after entry of the disposition.

    The sex offender treatment provider shall submit quarterly reports on the respondent's progress in treatment to the court and the parties.  The reports shall reference the treatment plan and include at a minimum the following:  Dates of attendance, respondent's compliance with requirements, treatment activities, the respondent's relative progress in treatment, and any other material specified by the court at the time of the disposition.

    At the time of the disposition, the court may set treatment review hearings as the court considers appropriate.

    Except as provided in this subsection (3), after July 1, 1991, examinations and treatment ordered pursuant to this subsection shall only be conducted by sex offender treatment providers certified by the department of health pursuant to chapter 18.155 RCW.  A sex offender therapist who examines or treats a juvenile sex offender pursuant to this subsection does not have to be certified by the department of health pursuant to chapter 18.155 RCW if the court finds that:  (A) The offender has already moved to another state or plans to move to another state for reasons other than circumventing the certification requirements; (B) no certified providers are available for treatment within a reasonable geographical distance of the offender's home; and (C) the evaluation and treatment plan comply with this subsection (4) [(3)] and the rules adopted by the department of health.

    If the offender violates any condition of the disposition or the court finds that the respondent is failing to make satisfactory progress in treatment, the court may revoke the suspension and order execution of the disposition or the court may impose a penalty of up to thirty days' confinement for violating conditions of the disposition.  The court may order both execution of the disposition and up to thirty days' confinement for the violation of the conditions of the disposition.  The court shall give credit for any confinement time previously served if that confinement was for the offense for which the suspension is being revoked.

    For purposes of this section, "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.  "Victim" may also include a known parent or guardian of a victim who is a minor child unless the parent or guardian is the perpetrator of the offense.

    A disposition entered under this subsection (3) is not appealable under RCW 13.40.230.

    (4) If the juvenile offender is subject to a standard range disposition of local sanctions or 15 to 36 weeks of confinement and has not committed an A- or B+ offense, the court may impose the disposition alternative under RCW 13.40.165.

    (5) RCW 13.40.193 shall govern the disposition of any juvenile adjudicated of possessing a firearm in violation of RCW 9.41.040(1)(b)(iii) or any crime in which a special finding is entered that the juvenile was armed with a firearm.

    (6) Whenever a juvenile offender is entitled to credit for time spent in detention prior to a dispositional order, the dispositional order shall specifically state the number of days of credit for time served.

    (7) Except as provided under subsection (3) or (4) of this section or RCW 13.40.127, the court shall not suspend or defer the imposition or the execution of the disposition.

    (8) In no case shall the term of confinement imposed by the court at disposition exceed that to which an adult could be subjected for the same offense.

 


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