S-0965.2  _______________________________________________

 

                         SENATE BILL 5790

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

 

By Senators Kline, Costa, Shin, Sheahan, McCaslin, Deccio, Winsley and Constantine

 

Read first time 02/02/2001.  Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

Revising provisions relating to vehicular assault.


    AN ACT Relating to vehicular assault; amending RCW 46.61.522, 9.41.010, 9.94A.030, 9.94A.150, 13.40.0357, 38.52.430, and 46.61.524;  reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320, 9.94A.440, and 46.20.391; and prescribing penalties.

 

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

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 46.61.522 and 1996 c 199 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1)(a) A person is guilty of vehicular assault in the first degree if he or she operates or drives any vehicle:

    (((a))) (i) In a reckless manner((,)) and ((this conduct is the proximate cause of serious)) causes substantial bodily ((injury)) harm to another; or

    (((b))) (ii) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502, and ((this conduct is the proximate cause of serious)) causes substantial bodily ((injury)) harm to another.

    (((2) "Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body.

    (3))) (b) Vehicular assault in the first degree is a class B felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

    (2)(a) A person is guilty of vehicular assault in the second degree if he or she, under circumstances not amounting to vehicular assault in the first degree, operates or drives any vehicle with disregard for the safety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another.

    (b) Vehicular assault in the second degree is a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

    (3) As used in this section, "substantial bodily harm" means "substantial bodily harm" as defined in RCW 9A.04.110.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 9.41.010 and 1997 c 338 s 46 are each amended to read as follows:

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

    (1) "Firearm" means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

    (2) "Pistol" means any firearm with a barrel less than sixteen inches in length, or is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.

    (3) "Rifle" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.

    (4) "Short-barreled rifle" means a rifle having one or more barrels less than sixteen inches in length and any weapon made from a rifle by any means of modification if such modified weapon has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches.

    (5) "Shotgun" means a weapon with one or more barrels, designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger.

    (6) "Short-barreled shotgun" means a shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length and any weapon made from a shotgun by any means of modification if such modified weapon has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches.

    (7) "Machine gun" means any firearm known as a machine gun, mechanical rifle, submachine gun, or any other mechanism or instrument not requiring that the trigger be pressed for each shot and having a reservoir clip, disc, drum, belt, or other separable mechanical device for storing, carrying, or supplying ammunition which can be loaded into the firearm, mechanism, or instrument, and fired therefrom at the rate of five or more shots per second.

    (8) "Antique firearm" means a firearm or replica of a firearm not designed or redesigned for using rim fire or conventional center fire ignition with fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898, including any matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system and also any firearm using fixed ammunition manufactured in or before 1898, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

    (9) "Loaded" means:

    (a) There is a cartridge in the chamber of the firearm;

    (b) Cartridges are in a clip that is locked in place in the firearm;

    (c) There is a cartridge in the cylinder of the firearm, if the firearm is a revolver;

    (d) There is a cartridge in the tube or magazine that is inserted in the action; or

    (e) There is a ball in the barrel and the firearm is capped or primed if the firearm is a muzzle loader.

    (10) "Dealer" means a person engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail who has, or is required to have, a federal firearms license under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923(a).  A person who does not have, and is not required to have, a federal firearms license under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923(a), is not a dealer if that person makes only occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or sells all or part of his or her personal collection of firearms.

    (11) "Crime of violence" means:

    (a) Any of the following felonies, as now existing or hereafter amended:  Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or an attempt to commit a class A felony, criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony, manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second degree, indecent liberties if committed by forcible compulsion, kidnapping in the second degree, arson in the second degree, assault in the second degree, assault of a child in the second degree, extortion in the first degree, burglary in the second degree, residential burglary, and robbery in the second degree;

    (b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to June 6, 1996, which is comparable to a felony classified as a crime of violence in (a) of this subsection; and

    (c) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense comparable to a felony classified as a crime of violence under (a) or (b) of this subsection.

    (12) "Serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to commit any of the following felonies, as now existing or hereafter amended:

    (a) Any crime of violence;

    (b) Any felony violation of the uniform controlled substances act, chapter 69.50 RCW, that is classified as a class B felony or that has a maximum term of imprisonment of at least ten years;

    (c) Child molestation in the second degree;

    (d) Incest when committed against a child under age fourteen;

    (e) Indecent liberties;

    (f) Leading organized crime;

    (g) Promoting prostitution in the first degree;

    (h) Rape in the third degree;

    (i) Drive-by shooting;

    (j) Sexual exploitation;

    (k) Vehicular assault in the first degree;

    (l) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;

    (m) Any other class B felony offense with a finding of sexual motivation, as "sexual motivation" is defined under RCW 9.94A.030;

    (n) Any other felony with a deadly weapon verdict under RCW 9.94A.125; or

    (o) Any felony offense in effect at any time prior to June 6, 1996, that is comparable to a serious offense, or any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a serious offense.

    (13) "Law enforcement officer" includes a general authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020, or a specially commissioned Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020.  "Law enforcement officer" also includes a limited authority Washington peace officer as defined in RCW 10.93.020 if such officer is duly authorized by his or her employer to carry a concealed pistol.

    (14) "Felony" means any felony offense under the laws of this state or any federal or out-of-state offense comparable to a felony offense under the laws of this state.

    (15) "Sell" refers to the actual approval of the delivery of a firearm in consideration of payment or promise of payment of a certain price in money.

    (16) "Barrel length" means the distance from the bolt face of a closed action down the length of the axis of the bore to the crown of the muzzle, or in the case of a barrel with attachments to the end of any legal device permanently attached to the end of the muzzle.

    (17) "Family or household member" means "family" or "household member" as used in RCW 10.99.020.

 

    Sec. 3.  RCW 9.94A.030 and 2000 c 28 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

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

    (1) "Collect," or any derivative thereof, "collect and remit," or "collect and deliver," when used with reference to the department, means that the department, either directly or through a collection agreement authorized by RCW 9.94A.145, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the offender's sentence with regard to the legal financial obligation, receiving payment thereof from the offender, and, consistent with current law, delivering daily the entire payment to the superior court clerk without depositing it in a departmental account.

    (2) "Commission" means the sentencing guidelines commission.

    (3) "Community corrections officer" means an employee of the department who is responsible for carrying out specific duties in supervision of sentenced offenders and monitoring of sentence conditions.

    (4) "Community custody" means that portion of an offender's sentence of confinement in lieu of earned release time or imposed pursuant to RCW 9.94A.120(2)(b), 9.94A.650 through 9.94A.670, 9.94A.137, 9.94A.700 through 9.94A.715, or 9.94A.383, served in the community subject to controls placed on the offender's movement and activities by the department.  For offenders placed on community custody for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000, the department shall assess the offender's risk of reoffense and may establish and modify conditions of community custody, in addition to those imposed by the court, based upon the risk to community safety.

    (5) "Community custody range" means the minimum and maximum period of community custody included as part of a sentence under RCW 9.94A.715, as established by the commission or the legislature under RCW 9.94A.040, for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000.

    (6) "Community placement" means that period during which the offender is subject to the conditions of community custody and/or postrelease supervision, which begins either upon completion of the term of confinement (postrelease supervision) or at such time as the offender is transferred to community custody in lieu of earned release.  Community placement may consist of entirely community custody, entirely postrelease supervision, or a combination of the two.

    (7) "Community service" means compulsory service, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the offender.

    (8) "Community supervision" means a period of time during which a convicted offender is subject to crime-related prohibitions and other sentence conditions imposed by a court pursuant to this chapter or RCW 16.52.200(6) or 46.61.524.  Where the court finds that any offender has a chemical dependency that has contributed to his or her offense, the conditions of supervision may, subject to available resources, include treatment.  For purposes of the interstate compact for out-of-state supervision of parolees and probationers, RCW 9.95.270, community supervision is the functional equivalent of probation and should be considered the same as probation by other states.

    (9) "Confinement" means total or partial confinement.

    (10) "Conviction" means an adjudication of guilt pursuant to Titles 10 or 13 RCW and includes a verdict of guilty, a finding of guilty, and acceptance of a plea of guilty.

    (11) "Crime-related prohibition" means an order of a court prohibiting conduct that directly relates to the circumstances of the crime for which the offender has been convicted, and shall not be construed to mean orders directing an offender affirmatively to participate in rehabilitative programs or to otherwise perform affirmative conduct.  However, affirmative acts necessary to monitor compliance with the order of a court may be required by the department.

    (12) "Criminal history" means the list of a defendant's prior convictions and juvenile adjudications, whether in this state, in federal court, or elsewhere.  The history shall include, where known, for each conviction (a) whether the defendant has been placed on probation and the length and terms thereof; and (b) whether the defendant has been incarcerated and the length of incarceration.

    (13) "Day fine" means a fine imposed by the sentencing court that equals the difference between the offender's net daily income and the reasonable obligations that the offender has for the support of the offender and any dependents.

    (14) "Day reporting" means a program of enhanced supervision designed to monitor the offender's daily activities and compliance with sentence conditions, and in which the offender is required to report daily to a specific location designated by the department or the sentencing court.

    (15) "Department" means the department of corrections.

    (16) "Determinate sentence" means a sentence that states with exactitude the number of actual years, months, or days of total confinement, of partial confinement, of community supervision, the number of actual hours or days of community service work, or dollars or terms of a legal financial obligation.  The fact that an offender through earned release can reduce the actual period of confinement shall not affect the classification of the sentence as a determinate sentence.

    (17) "Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of an offender remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amount required by law to be withheld.  For the purposes of this definition, "earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonuses, or otherwise, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law making the payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other process to satisfy a court-ordered legal financial obligation, specifically includes periodic payments pursuant to pension or retirement programs, or insurance policies of any type, but does not include payments made under Title 50 RCW, except as provided in RCW 50.40.020 and 50.40.050, or Title 74 RCW.

    (18) "Drug offender sentencing alternative" is a sentencing option available to persons convicted of a felony offense other than a violent offense or a sex offense and who are eligible for the option under RCW 9.94A.660.

    (19) "Drug offense" means:

    (a) Any felony violation of chapter 69.50 RCW except possession of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(d)) or forged prescription for a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.403);

    (b) Any offense defined as a felony under federal law that relates to the possession, manufacture, distribution, or transportation of a controlled substance; or

    (c) Any out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a drug offense under (a) of this subsection.

    (20) "Earned release" means earned release from confinement as provided in RCW 9.94A.150.

    (21) "Escape" means:

    (a) Escape in the first degree (RCW 9A.76.110), escape in the second degree (RCW 9A.76.120), willful failure to return from furlough (RCW 72.66.060), willful failure to return from work release (RCW 72.65.070), or willful failure to be available for supervision by the department while in community custody (RCW 72.09.310); or

    (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as an escape under (a) of this subsection.

    (22) "Felony traffic offense" means:

    (a) Vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520), vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522), eluding a police officer (RCW 46.61.024), or felony hit-and-run injury-accident (RCW 46.52.020(4)); or

    (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a felony traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.

    (23) "Fine" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specific period of time.

    (24) "First-time offender" means any person who has no prior convictions for a felony and is eligible for the first-time offender waiver under RCW 9.94A.650.

    (25) "Home detention" means a program of partial confinement available to offenders wherein the offender is confined in a private residence subject to electronic surveillance.

    (26) "Legal financial obligation" means a sum of money that is ordered by a superior court of the state of Washington for legal financial obligations which may include restitution to the victim, statutorily imposed crime victims' compensation fees as assessed pursuant to RCW 7.68.035, court costs, county or interlocal drug funds, court-appointed attorneys' fees, and costs of defense, fines, and any other financial obligation that is assessed to the offender as a result of a felony conviction.  Upon conviction for vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.522(1)(((b))) (a)(ii), or vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.520(1)(a), legal financial obligations may also include payment to a public agency of the expense of an emergency response to the incident resulting in the conviction, subject to RCW 38.52.430.

    (27) "Most serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to commit any of the following felonies:

    (a) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;

    (b) Assault in the second degree;

    (c) Assault of a child in the second degree;

    (d) Child molestation in the second degree;

    (e) Controlled substance homicide;

    (f) Extortion in the first degree;

    (g) Incest when committed against a child under age fourteen;

    (h) Indecent liberties;

    (i) Kidnapping in the second degree;

    (j) Leading organized crime;

    (k) Manslaughter in the first degree;

    (l) Manslaughter in the second degree;

    (m) Promoting prostitution in the first degree;

    (n) Rape in the third degree;

    (o) Robbery in the second degree;

    (p) Sexual exploitation;

    (q) ((Vehicular assault;

    (r))) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;

    (((s))) (r) Any other class B felony offense with a finding of sexual motivation;

    (((t))) (s) Any other felony with a deadly weapon verdict under RCW 9.94A.125;

    (((u))) (t) Any felony offense in effect at any time prior to December 2, 1993, that is comparable to a most serious offense under this subsection, or any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a most serious offense under this subsection;

    (((v))) (u)(i) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.88.100(1) (a), (b), and (c), chapter 260, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. as it existed until July 1, 1979, RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (c) as it existed from July 1, 1979, until June 11, 1986, and RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (d) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988;

    (ii) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988, if:  (A) The crime was committed against a child under the age of fourteen; or (B) the relationship between the victim and perpetrator is included in the definition of indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from July 1, 1988, through July 27, 1997, or RCW 9A.44.100(1) (d) or (e) as it existed from July 25, 1993, through July 27, 1997.

    (28) "Nonviolent offense" means an offense which is not a violent offense.

    (29) "Offender" means a person who has committed a felony established by state law and is eighteen years of age or older or is less than eighteen years of age but whose case is under superior court jurisdiction under RCW 13.04.030 or has been transferred by the appropriate juvenile court to a criminal court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110.  Throughout this chapter, the terms "offender" and "defendant" are used interchangeably.

    (30) "Partial confinement" means confinement for no more than one year in a facility or institution operated or utilized under contract by the state or any other unit of government, or, if home detention or work crew has been ordered by the court, in an approved residence, for a substantial portion of each day with the balance of the day spent in the community.  Partial confinement includes work release, home detention, work crew, and a combination of work crew and home detention.

    (31) "Persistent offender" is an offender who:

    (a)(i) Has been convicted in this state of any felony considered a most serious offense; and

    (ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (a) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least two separate occasions, whether in this state or elsewhere, of felonies that under the laws of this state would be considered most serious offenses and would be included in the offender score under RCW 9.94A.360; provided that of the two or more previous convictions, at least one conviction must have occurred before the commission of any of the other most serious offenses for which the offender was previously convicted; or

    (b)(i) Has been convicted of:  (A) Rape in the first degree, rape of a child in the first degree, child molestation in the first degree, rape in the second degree, rape of a child in the second degree, or indecent liberties by forcible compulsion; (B) murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, homicide by abuse, kidnapping in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, assault of a child in the first degree, or burglary in the first degree, with a finding of sexual motivation; or (C) an attempt to commit any crime listed in this subsection (31)(b)(i); and

    (ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (b)(i) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least one occasion, whether in this state or elsewhere, of an offense listed in (b)(i) of this subsection.  A conviction for rape of a child in the first degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was sixteen years of age or older when the offender committed the offense.  A conviction for rape of a child in the second degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was eighteen years of age or older when the offender committed the offense.

    (32) "Postrelease supervision" is that portion of an offender's community placement that is not community custody.

    (33) "Restitution" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specified period of time as payment of damages.  The sum may include both public and private costs.

    (34) "Risk assessment" means the application of an objective instrument supported by research and adopted by the department for the purpose of assessing an offender's risk of reoffense, taking into consideration the nature of the harm done by the offender, place and circumstances of the offender related to risk, the offender's relationship to any victim, and any information provided to the department by victims.  The results of a risk assessment shall not be based on unconfirmed or unconfirmable allegations.

    (35) "Serious traffic offense" means:

    (a) Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502), actual physical control while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504), reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500), or hit-and-run an attended vehicle (RCW 46.52.020(5)); or

    (b) Any federal, out-of-state, county, or municipal conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be classified as a serious traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.

    (36) "Serious violent offense" is a subcategory of violent offense and means:

    (a)(i) Murder in the first degree;

    (ii) Homicide by abuse;

    (iii) Murder in the second degree;

    (iv) Manslaughter in the first degree;

    (v) Assault in the first degree;

    (vi) Kidnapping in the first degree;

    (vii) Rape in the first degree;

    (viii) Assault of a child in the first degree; or

    (ix) An attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit one of these felonies; or

    (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a serious violent offense under (a) of this subsection.

    (37) "Sex offense" means:

    (a) A felony that is a violation of:

    (i) Chapter 9A.44 RCW other than RCW 9A.44.130(11);

    (ii) RCW 9A.64.020;

    (iii) RCW 9.68A.090; or

    (iv) A felony that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit such crimes;

    (b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a sex offense in (a) of this subsection;

    (c) A felony with a finding of sexual motivation under RCW 9.94A.127 or 13.40.135; or

    (d) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a sex offense under (a) of this subsection.

    (38) "Sexual motivation" means that one of the purposes for which the defendant committed the crime was for the purpose of his or her sexual gratification.

    (39) "Standard sentence range" means the sentencing court's discretionary range in imposing a nonappealable sentence.

    (40) "Statutory maximum sentence" means the maximum length of time for which an offender may be confined as punishment for a crime as prescribed in chapter 9A.20 RCW, RCW 9.92.010, the statute defining the crime, or other statute defining the maximum penalty for a crime.

    (41) "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, or pursuant to RCW 72.64.050 and 72.64.060.

    (42) "Transition training" means written and verbal instructions and assistance provided by the department to the offender during the two weeks prior to the offender's successful completion of the work ethic camp program.  The transition training shall include instructions in the offender's requirements and obligations during the offender's period of community custody.

    (43) "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.

    (44) "Violent offense" means:

    (a) Any of the following felonies:

    (i) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or an attempt to commit a class A felony;

    (ii) Criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;

    (iii) Manslaughter in the first degree;

    (iv) Manslaughter in the second degree;

    (v) Indecent liberties if committed by forcible compulsion;

    (vi) Kidnapping in the second degree;

    (vii) Arson in the second degree;

    (viii) Assault in the second degree;

    (ix) Assault of a child in the second degree;

    (x) Extortion in the first degree;

    (xi) Robbery in the second degree;

    (xii) Drive-by shooting;

    (xiii) Vehicular assault in the first degree; and

    (xiv) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;

    (b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a violent offense in (a) of this subsection; and

    (c) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a violent offense under (a) or (b) of this subsection.

    (45) "Work crew" means a program of partial confinement consisting of civic improvement tasks for the benefit of the community that complies with RCW 9.94A.135.

    (46) "Work ethic camp" means an alternative incarceration program as provided in RCW 9.94A.137 designed to reduce recidivism and lower the cost of corrections by requiring offenders to complete a comprehensive array of real-world job and vocational experiences, character-building work ethics training, life management skills development, substance abuse rehabilitation, counseling, literacy training, and basic adult education.

    (47) "Work release" means a program of partial confinement available to offenders who are employed or engaged as a student in a regular course of study at school.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 9.94A.150 and 2000 c 28 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:

    No person serving a sentence imposed pursuant to this chapter and committed to the custody of the department shall leave the confines of the correctional facility or be released prior to the expiration of the sentence except as follows:

    (1) Except as otherwise provided for in subsection (2) of this section, the term of the sentence of an offender committed to a correctional facility operated by the department may be reduced by earned release time in accordance with procedures that shall be developed and promulgated by the correctional agency having jurisdiction in which the offender is confined.  The earned release time shall be for good behavior and good performance, as determined by the correctional agency having jurisdiction.  The correctional agency shall not credit the offender with earned release credits in advance of the offender actually earning the credits.  Any program established pursuant to this section shall allow an offender to earn early release credits for presentence incarceration.  If an offender is transferred from a county jail to the department, the administrator of a county jail facility shall certify to the department the amount of time spent in custody at the facility and the amount of earned release time.  An offender who has been convicted of a felony committed after July 23, 1995, that involves any applicable deadly weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.310 (3) or (4), or both, shall not receive any good time credits or earned release time for that portion of his or her sentence that results from any deadly weapon enhancements.  In the case of an offender convicted of a serious violent offense, or a sex offense that is a class A felony, committed on or after July 1, 1990, the aggregate earned release time may not exceed fifteen percent of the sentence.  In no other case shall the aggregate earned release time exceed one-third of the total sentence;

    (2)(a) A person convicted of a sex offense or an offense categorized as a serious violent offense, assault in the second degree, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault in the first degree, assault of a child in the second degree, any crime against persons where it is determined in accordance with RCW 9.94A.125 that the offender or an accomplice was armed with a deadly weapon at the time of commission, or any felony offense under chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW, committed before July 1, 2000, may become eligible, in accordance with a program developed by the department, for transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned release time pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;

    (b) A person convicted of a sex offense, a violent offense, any crime against persons under RCW 9.94A.440(2), or a felony offense under chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW, committed on or after July 1, 2000, may become eligible, in accordance with a program developed by the department, for transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned release time pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;

    (3) An offender may leave a correctional facility pursuant to an authorized furlough or leave of absence.  In addition, offenders may leave a correctional facility when in the custody of a corrections officer or officers;

    (4)(a) The secretary may authorize an extraordinary medical placement for an offender when all of the following conditions exist:

    (i) The offender has a medical condition that is serious enough to require costly care or treatment;

    (ii) The offender poses a low risk to the community because he or she is physically incapacitated due to age or the medical condition; and

    (iii) Granting the extraordinary medical placement will result in a cost savings to the state.

    (b) An offender sentenced to death or to life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole is not eligible for an extraordinary medical placement.

    (c) The secretary shall require electronic monitoring for all offenders in extraordinary medical placement unless the electronic monitoring equipment interferes with the function of the offender's medical equipment or results in the loss of funding for the offender's medical care.  The secretary shall specify who shall provide the monitoring services and the terms under which the monitoring shall be performed.

    (d) The secretary may revoke an extraordinary medical placement under this subsection at any time.

    (5) The governor, upon recommendation from the clemency and pardons board, may grant an extraordinary release for reasons of serious health problems, senility, advanced age, extraordinary meritorious acts, or other extraordinary circumstances;

    (6) No more than the final six months of the sentence may be served in partial confinement designed to aid the offender in finding work and reestablishing himself or herself in the community;

    (7) The governor may pardon any offender;

    (8) The department may release an offender from confinement any time within ten days before a release date calculated under this section; and

    (9) An offender may leave a correctional facility prior to completion of his or her sentence if the sentence has been reduced as provided in RCW 9.94A.160.

    Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, an offender sentenced for a felony crime listed in RCW 9.94A.590 as subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of total confinement shall not be released from total confinement before the completion of the listed mandatory minimum sentence for that felony crime of conviction unless allowed under RCW 9.94A.590, however persistent offenders are not eligible for extraordinary medical placement.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 9.94A.320 and 2000 c 225 s 5, 2000 c 119 s 17, and 2000 c 66 s 2 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

 

                              TABLE 2

 

           CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

 

XVIAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

 

XVHomicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

    Malicious explosion 1 (RCW 70.74.280(1))

    Murder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

 

XIVMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

 

XIIIMalicious explosion 2 (RCW 70.74.280(2))

Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1))

 

XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)

Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))

Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

 

XIManslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

Rape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

 

XChild Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

Kidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

Malicious explosion 3 (RCW 70.74.280(3))

Manufacture of methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

Over 18 and deliver heroin, methamphetamine, a narcotic from Schedule I or II, or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV to someone under 18 (RCW 69.50.406)

 

IXAssault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)

Controlled Substance Homicide (RCW 69.50.415)

Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 79A.60.050)

Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))

Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2))

Over 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic, except flunitrazepam or methamphetamine, from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)

Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)

 

VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

Deliver or possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

Hit and Run‑-Death (RCW 46.52.020(4)(a))

Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (RCW 79A.60.050)

Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver amphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or cocaine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

Possession of Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, or Anhydrous Ammonia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.440)

Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

Selling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (RCW 69.50.410)

Theft of Anhydrous Ammonia (RCW 69.55.010)

Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)

 

VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)

Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW  79A.60.050)

Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))

Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

Involving a minor in drug dealing (RCW 69.50.401(f))

Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3))

Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(a))

Use of a Machine Gun in Commission of a Felony (RCW 9.41.225)

Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)

 

VIBail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(a))

Bribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule I or II (except heroin or cocaine) or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)

Unlawful Storage of Anhydrous Ammonia (RCW 69.55.020)

 

VAbandonment of dependent person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060)

Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(b))

Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1 (RCW 9A.44.160)

Delivery of imitation controlled substance by person eighteen or over to person under eighteen (RCW 69.52.030(2))

Domestic Violence Court Order Violation (RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070, or 74.34.145)

Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

Persistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070)

Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310)

Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105)

Stalking (RCW 9A.46.110)

 

IVArson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

Assault by Watercraft (RCW 79A.60.060)

Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)

Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(4))

Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

Hit and Run‑-Injury (RCW 46.52.020(4)(b))

Hit and Run with Vessel‑-Injury Accident (RCW 79A.60.200(3))

Indecent Exposure to Person Under Age Fourteen (subsequent sex offense) (RCW 9A.88.010)

Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

Knowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana, amphetamine, methamphetamines, or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1) (iii) through (v))

Residential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)

Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)

Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

Vehicular Assault 1 (RCW 46.61.522(1))

Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

 

IIIAbandonment of dependent person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070)

Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)

Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(c))

Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

Criminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120)

Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)

Delivery of a material in lieu of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(c))

Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

Maintaining a Dwelling or Place for Controlled Substances (RCW 69.50.402(a)(6))

Malicious Injury to Railroad Property (RCW 81.60.070)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(iii))

Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance (RCW 69.52.030(1))

Patronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

Possession of Incendiary Device (RCW 9.40.120)

Possession of Machine Gun or Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle (RCW 9.41.190)

Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

  Recklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)

Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

Telephone Harassment (subsequent conviction or threat of death) (RCW 9.61.230)

Theft of Livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.080)

Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(b))

Unlawful Use of Building for Drug Purposes (RCW 69.53.010)

Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

 

IIComputer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

           Counterfeiting (RCW 9.16.035(3))

    Create, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

    Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)

    Health Care False Claims (RCW 48.80.030)

    Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

    Possession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Possession of phencyclidine (PCP) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

    Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)

    Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)

    Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at one thousand five hundred dollars or more) (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

    Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW 48.30A.015)

    Unlawful Practice of Law (RCW 2.48.180)

    Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))

 

IAttempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

Forged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

Forged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

Possess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (except phencyclidine or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (valued at two hundred fifty dollars or more but less than one thousand five hundred dollars) (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

 

    Sec. 6.  RCW 9.94A.440 and 2000 c 119 s 28 and 2000 c 28 s 17 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

    (1) Decision not to prosecute.

    STANDARD:  A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.

    GUIDELINE/COMMENTARY:

    Examples

    The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard.

    (a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute.

    (b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that:

    (i) It has not been enforced for many years; and

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

    (iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and

    (iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature.

    This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce.

    (c) De Minimus Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution.

    (d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and

    (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;

    (ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and

    (iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.

    (e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and

    (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;

    (ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent;

    (iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and

    (iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.

    (f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question.  This reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases.

    (g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.

    (h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused's information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest.

    (i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations:

    (i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury;

    (ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered;

    (iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society.

    Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused.

    The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced.

    Notification

    The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute.

    (2) Decision to prosecute.

    (a) STANDARD:

    Crimes against persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact-finder.  With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040, 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, 9A.44.089, and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be provided pursuant to RCW 9.94A.670.

    Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact-finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised.

    See table below for the crimes within these categories.

 

        CATEGORIZATION OF CRIMES FOR PROSECUTING STANDARDS

 

    CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

    Aggravated Murder

    1st Degree Murder

    2nd Degree Murder

    1st Degree Manslaughter

    2nd Degree Manslaughter

    1st Degree Kidnapping

    2nd Degree Kidnapping

    1st Degree Assault

    2nd Degree Assault

    3rd Degree Assault

    1st Degree Assault of a Child

    2nd Degree Assault of a Child

    3rd Degree Assault of a Child

    1st Degree Rape

    2nd Degree Rape

    3rd Degree Rape

    1st Degree Rape of a Child

    2nd Degree Rape of a Child

    3rd Degree Rape of a Child

    1st Degree Robbery

    2nd Degree Robbery

    1st Degree Arson

    1st Degree Burglary

    1st Degree Extortion

    2nd Degree Extortion

    Indecent Liberties

    Incest

    Vehicular Homicide

    1st Degree Vehicular Assault

    2nd Degree Vehicular Assault

    1st Degree Child Molestation

    2nd Degree Child Molestation

    3rd Degree Child Molestation

    1st Degree Promoting Prostitution

    Intimidating a Juror

    Communication with a Minor

    Intimidating a Witness

    Intimidating a Public Servant

    Bomb Threat (if against person)

    Unlawful Imprisonment

    Promoting a Suicide Attempt

    Riot (if against person)

    Stalking

    Custodial Assault

    Domestic Violence Court Order Violation (RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070, or 74.34.145)

    Counterfeiting (if a violation of RCW 9.16.035(4))

 

    CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY/OTHER CRIMES

    2nd Degree Arson

    1st Degree Escape

    2nd Degree Escape

    2nd Degree Burglary

    1st Degree Theft

    2nd Degree Theft

    1st Degree Perjury

    2nd Degree Perjury

    1st Degree Introducing Contraband

    2nd Degree Introducing Contraband

    1st Degree Possession of Stolen Property

    2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property

    Bribery

    Bribing a Witness

    Bribe received by a Witness

    Bomb Threat (if against property)

    1st Degree Malicious Mischief

    2nd Degree Malicious Mischief

    1st Degree Reckless Burning

    Taking a Motor Vehicle without Authorization

    Forgery

    2nd Degree Promoting Prostitution

    Tampering with a Witness

    Trading in Public Office

    Trading in Special Influence

    Receiving/Granting Unlawful Compensation

    Bigamy

    Eluding a Pursuing Police Vehicle

    Willful Failure to Return from Furlough

    Escape from Community Custody

    Riot (if against property)

    1st Degree Theft of Livestock

    2nd Degree Theft of Livestock

 

    ALL OTHER UNCLASSIFIED FELONIES

    Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge

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

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

    (B) Will result in restitution to all victims.

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

    (A) Charging a higher degree;

    (B) Charging additional counts.

    This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a defendant's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication.  Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.

 

    (b) GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:

    (i) Police Investigation

    A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute.  The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made.  In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following:

    (A) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible;

    (B) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and

    (C) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events.

    If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include.

    (ii) Exceptions

    In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if:

    (A) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and

    (B) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or

    (C) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime.

    In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner.  If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed.

    (iii) Investigation Techniques

    The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including:

    (A) Polygraph testing;

    (B) Hypnosis;

    (C) Electronic surveillance;

    (D) Use of informants.

    (iv) Pre-Filing Discussions with Defendant

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

    (v) Pre-Filing Discussions with Victim(s)

    Discussions with the victim(s) or victims' representatives regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur before the filing of charges.  The discussions may be considered by the prosecutor in charging and disposition decisions, and should be considered before reaching any agreement with the defendant regarding these decisions.

 

    Sec. 7.  RCW 13.40.0357 and 2000 c 66 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

 

                 DESCRIPTION AND OFFENSE CATEGORY

 

juvenile                  juvenile disposition

disposition              category for attempt,

offense                  bailjump, conspiracy,

category  description (rcw citation) or solicitation

........................................

 

                      Arson and Malicious Mischief

                A     Arson 1 (9A.48.020)     B+

                B     Arson 2 (9A.48.030)     C

                C     Reckless Burning 1 (9A.48.040)     D

                D     Reckless Burning 2 (9A.48.050)     E

                B     Malicious Mischief 1 (9A.48.070)     C

                C     Malicious Mischief 2 (9A.48.080)     D

                D     Malicious Mischief 3 (<$50 is

                      E class) (9A.48.090)    E

                E     Tampering with Fire Alarm

                      Apparatus (9.40.100)    E

                A     Possession of Incendiary Device

                      (9.40.120)  B+

 

                      Assault and Other Crimes

                      Involving Physical Harm

                A     Assault 1 (9A.36.011)   B+

                B+    Assault 2 (9A.36.021)   C+

                C+    Assault 3 (9A.36.031)   D+

                D+    Assault 4 (9A.36.041)   E

                B+    Drive-By Shooting

                      (9A.36.045) C+

                D+    Reckless Endangerment

                      (9A.36.050) E

                C+    Promoting Suicide Attempt

                      (9A.36.060) D+

                D+    Coercion (9A.36.070)    E

                C+    Custodial Assault (9A.36.100)                D+

 

                      Burglary and Trespass

                B+    Burglary 1 (9A.52.020)  C+

                B     Residential Burglary

                      (9A.52.025) C

                B     Burglary 2 (9A.52.030)  C

                D     Burglary Tools (Possession of)

                      (9A.52.060) E

                D     Criminal Trespass 1 (9A.52.070)     E

                E     Criminal Trespass 2 (9A.52.080)     E

                C     Vehicle Prowling 1 (9A.52.095)     D

                D     Vehicle Prowling 2 (9A.52.100)     E

 

                      Drugs

                E     Possession/Consumption of Alcohol

                      (66.44.270) E

                C     Illegally Obtaining Legend Drug

                      (69.41.020) D

                C+    Sale, Delivery, Possession of Legend

                      Drug with Intent to Sell

                      (69.41.030) D+

                E     Possession of Legend Drug

                      (69.41.030) E

                B+    Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Narcotic,

                      Methamphetamine, or Flunitrazepam

                      Sale (69.50.401(a)(1) (i) or (ii))           B+

                C     Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Nonnarcotic Sale

                      (69.50.401(a)(1)(iii))  C

                E     Possession of Marihuana <40 grams

                      (69.50.401(e))    E

                C     Fraudulently Obtaining Controlled

                      Substance (69.50.403)   C

                C+    Sale of Controlled Substance

                      for Profit (69.50.410)  C+

                E     Unlawful Inhalation (9.47A.020)     E

                B     Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Narcotic,

                      Methamphetamine, or Flunitrazepam

                      Counterfeit Substances

                      (69.50.401(b)(1) (i) or (ii))                B

                C     Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Nonnarcotic

                      Counterfeit Substances

                      (69.50.401(b)(1) (iii), (iv), (v))            C

                C     Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Possession of a

                      Controlled Substance

                      (69.50.401(d))    C

                C     Violation of Uniform Controlled

                      Substances Act - Possession of a

                      Controlled Substance

                      (69.50.401(c))    C

 

                      Firearms and Weapons

                B     Theft of Firearm (9A.56.300)                C

                B     Possession of Stolen Firearm

                      (9A.56.310) C

                E     Carrying Loaded Pistol Without

                      Permit (9.41.050) E

                C     Possession of Firearms by Minor (<18)

                      (9.41.040(1)(b)(iii))   C

                D+    Possession of Dangerous Weapon

                      (9.41.250)  E

                D     Intimidating Another Person by use

                      of Weapon (9.41.270)    E

 

                      Homicide

                A+    Murder 1 (9A.32.030)    A

                A+    Murder 2 (9A.32.050)    B+

                B+    Manslaughter 1 (9A.32.060)                C+

                C+    Manslaughter 2 (9A.32.070)                D+

                B+    Vehicular Homicide (46.61.520)     C+

 

                      Kidnapping

                A     Kidnap 1 (9A.40.020)    B+

                B+    Kidnap 2 (9A.40.030)    C+

                C+    Unlawful Imprisonment

                      (9A.40.040) D+

 

                      Obstructing Governmental Operation

                D     Obstructing a Law Enforcement

                      Officer (9A.76.020)     E

                E     Resisting Arrest (9A.76.040)                E

                B     Introducing Contraband 1

                      (9A.76.140) C

                C     Introducing Contraband 2

                      (9A.76.150) D

                E     Introducing Contraband 3

                      (9A.76.160) E

                B+    Intimidating a Public Servant

                      (9A.76.180) C+

                B+    Intimidating a Witness

                      (9A.72.110) C+

 

                      Public Disturbance

                C+    Riot with Weapon (9A.84.010)                D+

                D+    Riot Without Weapon

                      (9A.84.010) E

                E     Failure to Disperse (9A.84.020)     E

                E     Disorderly Conduct (9A.84.030)     E

 

                      Sex Crimes

                A     Rape 1 (9A.44.040)      B+

                A-    Rape 2 (9A.44.050)      B+

                C+    Rape 3 (9A.44.060)      D+

                A-    Rape of a Child 1 (9A.44.073)                B+

                B+    Rape of a Child 2 (9A.44.076)                C+

                B     Incest 1 (9A.64.020(1)) C

                C     Incest 2 (9A.64.020(2)) D

                D+    Indecent Exposure

                      (Victim <14) (9A.88.010)                E

                E     Indecent Exposure

                      (Victim 14 or over) (9A.88.010)     E

                B+    Promoting Prostitution 1

                      (9A.88.070) C+

                C+    Promoting Prostitution 2

                      (9A.88.080) D+

                E     O & A (Prostitution) (9A.88.030)     E

                B+    Indecent Liberties (9A.44.100)     C+

                A-    Child Molestation 1 (9A.44.083)     B+

                B     Child Molestation 2 (9A.44.086)     C+

 

                      Theft, Robbery, Extortion, and Forgery

                B     Theft 1 (9A.56.030)     C

                C     Theft 2 (9A.56.040)     D

                D     Theft 3 (9A.56.050)     E

                B     Theft of Livestock (9A.56.080)     C

                C     Forgery (9A.60.020)     D

                A     Robbery 1 (9A.56.200)   B+

                B+    Robbery 2 (9A.56.210)   C+

                B+    Extortion 1 (9A.56.120) C+

                C+    Extortion 2 (9A.56.130) D+

                B     Possession of Stolen Property 1

                      (9A.56.150) C

                C     Possession of Stolen Property 2

                      (9A.56.160) D

                D     Possession of Stolen Property 3

                      (9A.56.170) E

                C     Taking Motor Vehicle Without

                      Owner's Permission (9A.56.070)     D

 

                      Motor Vehicle Related Crimes

                E     Driving Without a License

                      (46.20.005) E

                B+    Hit and Run - Death

                      (46.52.020(4)(a)) C+

                C     Hit and Run - Injury

                      (46.52.020(4)(b)) D

                D     Hit and Run-Attended

                      (46.52.020(5))    E

                E     Hit and Run-Unattended

                      (46.52.010) E

                C     Vehicular Assault 1 (46.61.522(1))  D

                D     Vehicular Assault 2 (46.61.522(2))  E

                C     Attempting to Elude Pursuing

                      Police Vehicle (46.61.024)                D

                E     Reckless Driving (46.61.500)                E

                D     Driving While Under the Influence

                      (46.61.502 and 46.61.504)                E

 

                      Other

                B     Bomb Threat (9.61.160)  C

                C     Escape 11 (9A.76.110)    C

                C     Escape 21 (9A.76.120)    C

                D     Escape 3 (9A.76.130)    E

                E     Obscene, Harassing, Etc.,

                      Phone Calls (9.61.230)  E

                A     Other Offense Equivalent to an

                      Adult Class A Felony    B+

                B     Other Offense Equivalent to an

                      Adult Class B Felony    C

                C     Other Offense Equivalent to an

                      Adult Class C Felony    D

                D     Other Offense Equivalent to an

                      Adult Gross Misdemeanor E

                E     Other Offense Equivalent to an

                      Adult Misdemeanor E

                V     Violation of Order of Restitution,

                      Community Supervision, or

                      Confinement (13.40.200)2 V

 

 

1Escape 1 and 2 and Attempted Escape 1 and 2 are classed as C offenses and the standard range is established as follows:

 

    1st escape or attempted escape during 12-month period - 4 weeks confinement

    2nd escape or attempted escape during 12-month period - 8 weeks confinement

    3rd and subsequent escape or attempted escape during 12-month period - 12 weeks confinement

 

2If the court finds that a respondent has violated terms of an order, it may impose a penalty of up to 30 days of confinement.

 

                   JUVENILE SENTENCING STANDARDS

 

This schedule must be used for juvenile offenders.  The court may select sentencing option A, B, or C.

 

                             OPTION A

                 JUVENILE OFFENDER SENTENCING GRID

                          STANDARD RANGE

 

                                                       

       A+   180 WEEKS TO AGE 21 YEARS

                                                       

       A    103 WEEKS TO 129 WEEKS

                                                       

       A-   15-36     |52-65 |80-100 |103-129

            WEEKS     |WEEKS |WEEKS|WEEKS

            EXCEPT    |      |      |

            30-40     |      |      |

            WEEKS FOR |      |      |

            15-17     |      |      |

            YEAR OLDS |      |      |

                                                       

Current     B+        15-36         |52-65 |80-100 |103-129

Offense               WEEKS         |WEEKS |WEEKS |WEEKS

Category                                                      

       B    LOCAL            |             |52-65

             SANCTIONS (LS)  |15-36 WEEKS  |WEEKS

                                                        

       C+   LS                      |

                                    |15-36 WEEKS

                                          

       C    LS                             |15-36 WEEKS

                      Local Sanctions:           |

                      0 to 30 Days                      

       D+   LS        0 to 12 Months Community Supervision

                      0 to 150 Hours Community Service

       D    LS        $0 to $500 Fine

                            

       E    LS              

                                                       

              0        1        2      3      4 or more

                      PRIOR ADJUDICATIONS

 

NOTE:  References in the grid to days or weeks mean periods of confinement.

    (1) The vertical axis of the grid is the current offense category.  The current offense category is determined by the offense of adjudication.

    (2) The horizontal axis of the grid is the number of prior adjudications included in the juvenile's criminal history.  Each prior felony adjudication shall count as one point.  Each prior violation, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor adjudication shall count as 1/4 point.  Fractional points shall be rounded down.

    (3) The standard range disposition for each offense is determined by the intersection of the column defined by the prior adjudications and the row defined by the current offense category.

    (4) RCW 13.40.180 applies if the offender is being sentenced for more than one offense.

    (5) A current offense that is a violation is equivalent to an offense category of E.  However, a disposition for a violation shall not include confinement.

 

                                OR

 

                             OPTION B

            CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DISPOSITION ALTERNATIVE

 

    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 a disposition under RCW 13.40.160(4) and 13.40.165.

 

                                OR

 

                             OPTION C

                        MANIFEST INJUSTICE

 

If the court determines that a disposition under option A or B would effectuate a manifest injustice, the court shall impose a disposition outside the standard range under RCW 13.40.160(2).

 

    Sec. 8.  RCW 38.52.430 and 1993 c 251 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    A person whose intoxication causes an incident resulting in an appropriate emergency response, and who, in connection with the incident, has been found guilty of or has had their prosecution deferred for (1) driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.502; (2) operating an aircraft under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, RCW 47.68.220; (3) use of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, RCW ((88.12.100)) 79A.60.040; (4) vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.520(1)(a); or (5) vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.522 (1)(((b))) (a)(ii), is liable for the expense of an emergency response by a public agency to the incident.

    The expense of an emergency response is a charge against the person liable for expenses under this section.  The charge constitutes a debt of that person and is collectible by the public agency incurring those costs in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.

    In no event shall a person's liability under this section for the expense of an emergency response exceed one thousand dollars for a particular incident.

    If more than one public agency makes a claim for payment from an individual for an emergency response to a single incident under the provisions of this section, and the sum of the claims exceeds the amount recovered, the division of the amount recovered shall be determined by an interlocal agreement consistent with the requirements of chapter 39.34 RCW.

 

    Sec. 9.  RCW 46.20.391 and 1999 c 274 s 4 and 1999 c 272 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

    (1) Any person licensed under this chapter who is convicted of an offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of the driver's license is mandatory, other than vehicular homicide or vehicular assault in the first degree, or who has had his or her license suspended under RCW 46.20.3101 (2)(a) or (3)(a), may submit to the department an application for an occupational driver's license.  The department, upon receipt of the prescribed fee and upon determining that the petitioner is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that the petitioner operate a motor vehicle, may issue an occupational driver's license and may set definite restrictions as provided in RCW 46.20.394.  No person may petition for, and the department shall not issue, an occupational driver's license that is effective during the first thirty days of any suspension or revocation imposed either for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or under RCW 46.20.3101 (2)(a) or (3)(a), or for both a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and under RCW 46.20.3101 (2)(a) or (3)(a) where the action arises from the same incident.  A person aggrieved by the decision of the department on the application for an occupational driver's license may request a hearing as provided by rule of the department.

    (2)(a) A person licensed under this chapter whose driver's license is suspended administratively due to failure to appear or pay a traffic ticket under RCW 46.20.289; a violation of the financial responsibility laws under chapter 46.29 RCW; or for multiple violations within a specified period of time under RCW 46.20.291, may apply to the department for an occupational driver's license if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that one of the following additional conditions are met:

    (i) The applicant is in an apprenticeship program or an on-the-job training program for which a driver's license is required;

    (ii) The applicant presents evidence that he or she has applied for a position in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program and the program has certified that a driver's license is required to begin the program, provided that a license granted under this provision shall be in effect no longer than fourteen days;

    (iii) The applicant is in a program that assists persons who are enrolled in a WorkFirst program pursuant to chapter 74.08A RCW to become gainfully employed and the program requires a driver's license; or

    (iv) The applicant is undergoing substance abuse treatment or is participating in meetings of a twelve-step group such as alcoholics anonymous.

    (b) If the suspension is for failure to respond, pay, or comply with a notice of traffic infraction or conviction, the applicant must enter into a payment plan with the court.

    (c) An occupational driver's license issued to an applicant described in (a) of this subsection shall be valid for the period of the suspension or revocation but not more than two years.

    (d) Upon receipt of evidence that a holder of an occupational driver's license granted under this subsection is no longer enrolled in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, the director shall give written notice by first class mail to the driver that the occupational driver's license shall be canceled.  The effective date of cancellation shall be fifteen days from the date of mailing the notice.  If at any time before the cancellation goes into effect the driver submits evidence of continued enrollment in the program, the cancellation shall be stayed.  If the cancellation becomes effective, the driver may obtain, at no additional charge, a new occupational driver's license upon submittal of evidence of enrollment in another program that meets the criteria set forth in this subsection.

    (e) The department shall not issue an occupational driver's license under (a)(iv) of this subsection if the applicant is able to receive transit services sufficient to allow for the applicant's participation in the programs referenced under (a)(iv) of this subsection.

    (3) An applicant for an occupational driver's license is eligible to receive such license only if:

    (a) Within one year immediately preceding the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction, the applicant has not committed any offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of a driver's license is mandatory; and

    (b) Within seven years immediately preceding the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction or incident, the applicant has not committed any of the following offenses:  (i) Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor; (ii) vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520; or (iii) vehicular assault in the first degree under RCW 46.61.522(1); and

    (c) The applicant is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that he or she operate a motor vehicle, except as allowed under subsection (2)(a) of this section; and

    (d) The applicant files satisfactory proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW.

    (4) The director shall cancel an occupational driver's license upon receipt of notice that the holder thereof has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of its restrictions, or of a separate offense that under chapter 46.20 RCW would warrant suspension or revocation of a regular driver's license.  The cancellation is effective as of the date of the conviction, and continues with the same force and effect as any suspension or revocation under this title.

 

    Sec. 10.  RCW 46.61.524 and 2000 c 28 s 40 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) A person convicted under RCW 46.61.520(1)(a) or 46.61.522(1)(((b))) (a)(ii) shall, as a condition of community ((supervision)) custody imposed under RCW 9.94A.383 or community placement imposed under RCW 9.94A.660, complete a diagnostic evaluation by an alcohol or drug dependency agency approved by the department of social and health services or a qualified probation department, as defined under RCW 46.61.516 that has been approved by the department of social and health services.  This report shall be forwarded to the department of licensing.  If the person is found to have an alcohol or drug problem that requires treatment, the person shall complete treatment in a program approved by the department of social and health services under chapter 70.96A RCW.  If the person is found not to have an alcohol or drug problem that requires treatment, he or she shall complete a course in an information school approved by the department of social and health services under chapter 70.96A RCW.  The convicted person shall pay all costs for any evaluation, education, or treatment required by this section, unless the person is eligible for an existing program offered or approved by the department of social and health services.  Nothing in chapter 348, Laws of 1991 requires the addition of new treatment or assessment facilities nor affects the department of social and health services use of existing programs and facilities authorized by law.

    (2) As provided for under RCW 46.20.285, the department shall revoke the license, permit to drive, or a nonresident privilege of a person convicted of vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520 or vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522.  The department shall determine the eligibility of a person convicted of vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520(1)(a) or vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522(1)(((b))) (a)(ii) to receive a license based upon the report provided by the designated alcoholism treatment facility or probation department, and shall deny reinstatement until satisfactory progress in an approved program has been established and the person is otherwise qualified.

 


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