AN ACT Relating to sexual offenses; amending RCW 9A.44.076, 9A.44.083, and 9.94A.440; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320 and 9.94A.120; and prescribing penalties.

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

Sec. 1. Section 2, chapter 62, Laws of 1988, section 12, chapter 145, Laws of 1988, and section 2, chapter 218, Laws of 1988 and RCW 9.94A.320 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

TABLE 2

CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

@lb!ix!tu5,10!ih12 !trXIV!tlAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

!trXIII!tlMurder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

!tj1!tlHomicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

!trXII!tlMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

!tj1!tlRape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

!trXI!tlAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

!tj1!tlRape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

!tj1!tlChild Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

!trX!tlKidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

!tj1!tlRape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

!tj1!tl((~~Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)~~))

!tj1!tlDamaging building, etc., by explosion with threat to human being (RCW 70.74.280(1))

!tj1!tlOver 18 and deliver heroin or narcotic from Schedule I or II to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

!tj1!tlLeading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

!trIX!tlRobbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

!tj1!tlManslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

!tj1!tlExplosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

!tj1!tlEndangering life and property by explosives with threat to human being (RCW 70.74.270)

!tj1!tlOver 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

!tj1!tlSexual Exploitation, Under 16 (RCW 9.68A.040(2)(a))

!tj1!tlInciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))

!tj1!tlChild Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

!trVIII!tlArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

!tj1!tlRape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

!tj1!tl((~~Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)~~

!tj1!tl~~Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)~~))

!tj1!tlRape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

!tj1!tlPromoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

!tj1!tlSelling heroin for profit (RCW 69.50.410)

!trVII!tlBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

!tj1!tl Vehicular Homicide (RCW 46.61.520)

!tj1!tlIntroducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

!tj1!tlIndecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

!tj1!tlSexual Exploitation, Under 18 (RCW 9.68A.040(2)(b))

!tj1!tlDealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

!tj1!tlSending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

!tj1!tlChild Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

!trVI!tlBribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

!tj1!tlManslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

!tj1!tl((~~Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)~~))

!tj1!tlIntimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

!tj1!tlDamaging building, etc., by explosion with no threat to human being (RCW 70.74.280(2))

!tj1!tlEndangering life and property by explosives with no threat to human being (RCW 70.74.270)

!tj1!tlIndecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(b))

!tj1!tlIncest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

!tj1!tlSelling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (except heroin) (RCW 69.50.410)

!tj1!tlManufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

!tj1!tlIntimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

!trV !tlCriminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

!tj1!tlRape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

!tj1!tlKidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

!tj1!tlExtortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

!tj1!tlIncest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

!tj1!tlPerjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

!tj1!tlExtortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

!tj1!tlAdvancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

!tj1!tlExtortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

!tj1!tlRendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

!trIV!tlTheft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

!tj1!tlRobbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

!tj1!tlAssault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

!tj1!tlEscape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

!tj1!tlArson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

!tj1!tl((~~Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)~~))

!tj1!tlBribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

!tj1!tlMalicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

!tj1!tlWillful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

!tj1!tlHit and Run -- Injury Accident (RCW 46.52.020(4))

!tj1!tlVehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)

!tj1!tlManufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii) through (iv))

!tj1!tlInfluencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

!tj1!tlUse of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

!tj1!tlKnowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

!trIII !tlCriminal mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

!tj1!tlSexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

!tj1!tl((~~Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)~~))

!tj1!tlExtortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

!tj1!tlUnlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

!tj1!tlAssault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

!tj1!tlUnlawful possession of firearm or pistol by felon (RCW 9.41.040)

!tj1!tlHarassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

!tj1!tlPromoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

!tj1!tlWillful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

!tj1!tlIntroducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

!tj1!tl Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

!tj1!tlPatronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

!tj1!tlEscape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

!tj1!tlPerjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

!tj1!tlIntimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

!tj1!tlTampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

!tj1!tlManufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

!tj1!tlRecklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

!tj1!tlTheft of livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

!trII!tlMalicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

!tj1!tlPossession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)

!tj1!tlTheft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)

!tj1!tlBurglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

!tj1!tlPossession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II (RCW 69.50.401(d))

!tj1!tlCreate, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

!tj1!tlComputer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

!trI!tlTheft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

!tj1!tlPossession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

!tj1!tlForgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

!tj1!tl Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

!tj1!tlVehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

!tj1!tl Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

!tj1!tlMalicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

!tj1!tlReckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

!tj1!tlUnlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

!tj1!tlUnlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

!tj1!tlFalse Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

!tj1!tlForged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

!tj1!tlForged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

!tj1!tlPossess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (RCW 69.50.401(d))

!ix@la

Sec. 2. Section 3, chapter 145, Laws of 1988 and RCW 9A.44.076 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person is guilty of rape of a child in the second degree when the person has sexual intercourse with another who is at least twelve years old but less than fourteen years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least thirty-six months older than the victim.

(2) Rape of a child in the second degree is a class ((B)) A felony.

Sec. 3. Section 5, chapter 145, Laws of 1988 and RCW 9A.44.083 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person is guilty of child molestation in the first degree when the person has sexual contact with another who is less than twelve years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least thirty-six months older than the victim.

(2) Child molestation in the first degree is a class ((B)) A felony.

Sec. 4. Section 21, chapter 143, Laws of 1988, section 2, chapter 153, Laws of 1988 and section 3, chapter 154, Laws of 1988 and RCW 9.94A.120 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

When a person is convicted of a felony, the court shall impose punishment as provided in this section.

(1) Except as authorized in subsections (2), (5), and (7) of this section, the court shall impose a sentence within the sentence range for the offense.

(2) The court may impose a sentence outside the standard sentence range for that offense if it finds, considering the purpose of this chapter, that there are substantial and compelling reasons justifying an exceptional sentence.

(3) Whenever a sentence outside the standard range is imposed, the court shall set forth the reasons for its decision in written findings of fact and conclusions of law. A sentence outside the standard range shall be a determinate sentence.

(4) An offender convicted of the crime of murder in the first degree shall be sentenced to a term of total confinement not less than twenty years. An offender convicted of the crime of assault in the first degree where the offender used force or means likely to result in death or intended to kill the victim shall be sentenced to a term of total confinement not less than five years. An offender convicted of the crime of rape in the first degree shall be sentenced to a term of total confinement not less than three years, and shall not be eligible for furlough, work release or other authorized leave of absence from the correctional facility during such minimum three year term except for the purpose of commitment to an inpatient treatment facility. The foregoing minimum terms of total confinement are mandatory and shall not be varied or modified as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(5) In sentencing a first-time offender the court may waive the imposition of a sentence within the sentence range and impose a sentence which may include up to ninety days of confinement in a facility operated or utilized under contract by the county and a requirement that the offender refrain from committing new offenses. The sentence may also include up to two years of community supervision, which, in addition to crime-related prohibitions, may include requirements that the offender perform any one or more of the following:

(a) Devote time to a specific employment or occupation;

(b) Undergo available outpatient treatment for up to two years, or inpatient treatment not to exceed the standard range of confinement for that offense;

(d) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the community corrections officer prior to any change in the offender's address or employment;

(e) Report as directed to the court and a community corrections officer; or

(f) Pay a fine and/or accomplish some community service work.

(6) If a sentence range has not been established for the defendant's crime, the court shall impose a determinate sentence which may include not more than one year of confinement, community service work, a term of community supervision not to exceed one year, and/or a fine. The court may impose a sentence which provides more than one year of confinement if the court finds, considering the purpose of this chapter, that there are substantial and compelling reasons justifying an exceptional sentence.

(7) (a) When an offender is convicted of a sex offense other than a violation of RCW 9A.44.040 ((~~or RCW~~)), 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, or 9A.44.089 and has no prior convictions for a sex offense or any other felony sexual offenses in this or any other state, the sentencing court, on its own motion or the motion of the state or the defendant, may order an examination to determine whether the defendant is amenable to treatment.

After receipt of the reports, the court shall then determine whether the offender and the community will benefit from use of this special sexual offender sentencing alternative. If the court determines that both the offender and the community will benefit from use of this provision, the court shall then impose a sentence within the sentence range and, if this sentence is less than six years of confinement, the court may suspend the execution of the sentence and place the offender on community supervision for up to two years. As a condition of the suspended sentence, the court may impose other sentence conditions including up to six months of confinement, not to exceed the sentence range of confinement for that offense, crime-related prohibitions, and requirements that the offender perform any one or more of the following:

(i) Devote time to a specific 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;

(iii) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the community corrections officer prior to any change in the offender's address or employment;

(iv) Report as directed to the court and a community corrections officer;

(v) Pay a fine, accomplish some community service work, or any combination thereof; or

(vi) Make recoupment to the victim for the cost of any counseling required as a result of the offender's crime.

If the offender violates these sentence conditions the court may revoke the suspension and order execution of the sentence. All confinement time served during the period of community supervision shall be credited to the offender if the suspended sentence is revoked.

(b) When an offender is convicted of any felony sexual offense committed before July 1, 1987, and is sentenced to a term of confinement of more than one year but less than six years, the sentencing court may, on its own motion or on the motion of the offender or the state, order the offender committed for up to thirty days to the custody of the secretary of social and health services for evaluation and report to the court on the offender's amenability to treatment at these facilities. If the secretary of social and health services cannot begin the evaluation within thirty days of the court's order of commitment, the offender shall be transferred to the state for confinement pending an opportunity to be evaluated at the appropriate facility. The court shall review the reports and may order that the term of confinement imposed be served in the sexual offender treatment program at the location determined by the secretary of social and health services or the secretary's designee, only if the report indicates that the offender is amenable to the treatment program provided at these facilities. The offender shall be transferred to the state pending placement in the treatment program. Any offender who has escaped from the treatment program shall be referred back to the sentencing court.

If the offender does not comply with the conditions of the treatment program, the secretary of social and health services may refer the matter to the sentencing court. The sentencing court shall commit the offender to the department of corrections to serve the balance of the term of confinement.

If the offender successfully completes the treatment program before the expiration of the term of confinement, the court may convert the balance of confinement to community supervision and may place conditions on the offender including crime-related prohibitions and requirements that the offender perform any one or more of the following:

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

(ii) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the community corrections officer prior to any change in the offender's address or employment;

(iii) Report as directed to the court and a community corrections officer;

(iv) Undergo available outpatient treatment.

If the offender violates any of the terms of community supervision, the court may order the offender to serve out the balance of the community supervision term in confinement in the custody of the department of corrections.

After June 30, 1993, this subsection (b) shall cease to have effect.

(c) When an offender commits any felony sexual offense on or after July 1, 1987, and is sentenced to a term of confinement of more than one year but less than six years, the sentencing court may, on its own motion or on the motion of the offender or the state, request the department of corrections to evaluate whether the offender is amenable to treatment and the department may place the offender in a treatment program within a correctional facility operated by the department.

Except for an offender who has been convicted of a violation of RCW 9A.44.040 ((or)), 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, or 9A.44.089, if the offender completes the treatment program before the expiration of his term of confinement, the department of corrections may request the court to convert the balance of confinement to community supervision and to place conditions on the offender including crime-related prohibitions and requirements that the offender perform any one or more of the following:

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

(ii) Remain within prescribed geographical boundaries and notify the court or the community corrections officer prior to any change in the offender's address or employment;

(iii) Report as directed to the court and a community corrections officer;

(iv) Undergo available outpatient treatment.

If the offender violates any of the terms of his community supervision, the court may order the offender to serve out the balance of his community supervision term in confinement in the custody of the department of corrections.

Nothing in (c) of this subsection shall confer eligibility for such programs for offenders convicted and sentenced for a sexual offense committed prior to July 1, 1987.

(8) (a) When a court sentences a person to a term of total confinement to the custody of the department of corrections for an offense categorized as a sex offense, a serious violent offense, assault in the second degree, any crime against a person where it is determined in accordance with RCW 9.94A.125 that the defendant 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 on or after July 1, 1988, the court shall in addition to the other terms of the sentence, sentence the offender to a one-year term of community placement beginning either upon completion of the term of confinement or at such time as the offender is transferred to community custody in lieu of earned early release in accordance with RCW 9.94A.150(1). When the court sentences an offender under this section to the statutory maximum period of confinement then the community placement portion of the sentence shall consist entirely of such community custody to which the offender may become eligible, in accordance with RCW 9.94A.150(1). Any period of community custody actually served shall be credited against the community placement portion of the sentence.

(b) When a court sentences a person to a term of total confinement to the custody of the department of corrections for an offense categorized as a sex offense, a serious violent offense, assault in the second degree, any crime against a person where it is determined in accordance with RCW 9.94A.125 that the defendant 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 on or after July 1, 1988, unless a condition is waived by the court, the sentence shall include, in addition to the other terms of the sentence, a one-year term of community placement on the following conditions:

(i) The offender shall report to and be available for contact with the assigned community corrections officer as directed;

(ii) The offender shall work at department of corrections-approved education, employment, and/or community service;

(iii) The offender shall not consume controlled substances except pursuant to lawfully issued prescriptions;

(iv) An offender in community custody shall not unlawfully possess controlled substances; and

(v) The offender shall pay community placement fees as determined by the department of corrections.

(i) The offender shall remain within, or outside of, a specified geographical boundary;

(ii) The offender shall not have direct or indirect contact with the victim of the crime or a specified class of individuals;

(iii) The offender shall participate in crime-related treatment or counseling services;

(iv) The offender shall not consume alcohol;

(v) The residence location and living arrangements of a sex offender shall be subject to the prior approval of the department of corrections; or

(vi) The offender shall comply with any crime-related prohibitions.

(d) Prior to transfer to, or during, community placement, any conditions of community placement may be removed or modified so as not to be more restrictive by the sentencing court, upon recommendation of the department of corrections.

(9) If the court imposes a sentence requiring confinement of thirty days or less, the court may, in its discretion, specify that the sentence be served on consecutive or intermittent days. A sentence requiring more than thirty days of confinement shall be served on consecutive days. Local jail administrators may schedule court-ordered intermittent sentences as space permits.

(10) If a sentence imposed includes a fine or restitution, the sentence shall specify a reasonable manner and time in which the fine or restitution shall be paid. Restitution to victims shall be paid prior to any other payments of monetary obligations. In any sentence under this chapter the court may also require the offender to make such monetary payments, on such terms as it deems appropriate under the circumstances, as are necessary (a) to pay court costs, including reimbursement of the state for costs of extradition if return to this state by extradition was required, (b) to make recoupment of the cost of defense attorney's fees if counsel is provided at public expense, (c) to contribute to a county or interlocal drug fund, and (d) to make such other payments as provided by law. The offender's compliance with payment of monetary obligations shall be supervised by the department. The rate of payment shall be determined by the court or, in the absence of a rate determined by the court, the rate shall be set by the department. All monetary payments ordered shall be paid no later than ten years after the most recent of either the last date of release from confinement pursuant to a felony conviction or the date the sentence was entered. Nothing in this section makes the department, the state, or any of its employees, agents, or other persons acting on their behalf liable under any circumstances for the payment of these financial obligations. If an order includes restitution as one of the monetary assessments, 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.

(11) Except as provided under RCW 9.94A.140(1), a court may not impose a sentence providing for a term of confinement or community supervision or community placement which exceeds the statutory maximum for the crime as provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW.

(12) All offenders sentenced to terms involving community supervision, community service, restitution, or fines shall be under the supervision of the secretary of the department of corrections or such person as the secretary may designate and shall follow explicitly the instructions of the secretary including reporting as directed to a community corrections officer, remaining within prescribed geographical boundaries, and notifying the community corrections officer of any change in the offender's address or employment.

(13) The sentencing court shall give the offender credit for all confinement time served before the sentencing if that confinement was solely in regard to the offense for which the offender is being sentenced.

(14) A departure from the standards in RCW 9.94A.400(1) and (2) governing whether sentences are to be served consecutively or concurrently is an exceptional sentence subject to the limitations in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, and may be appealed by the defendant or the state as set forth in RCW 9.94A.210(2) through (6).

(15) The court shall order restitution whenever the offender is convicted of a felony that results in injury to any person or damage to or loss of property, whether the offender is sentenced to confinement or placed under community supervision, unless extraordinary circumstances exist that make restitution inappropriate in the court's judgment. The court shall set forth the extraordinary circumstances in the record if it does not order restitution.

(16) As a part of any sentence, the court may impose and enforce an order that relates directly to the circumstances of the crime for which the offender has been convicted, prohibiting the offender from having any contact with other specified individuals or a specific class of individuals for a period not to exceed the maximum allowable sentence for the crime, regardless of the expiration of the offender's term of community supervision.

(17) In any sentence of partial confinement, the court may require the defendant to serve the partial confinement in work release or in a program of home detention.

Sec. 5. Section 15, chapter 115, Laws of 1983 as last amended by section 13, chapter 145, Laws of 1988 and RCW 9.94A.440 are each 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.

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, and 9A.44.089, the prosecutor should file whenever sufficient admissible evidence exists, and avoid pretrial 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 within a correctional facility pursuant to RCW 9.94A.120(7).

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

@lb CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

Aggravated Murder

1st Degree Murder

2nd Degree Murder

1st Degree Kidnaping

1st Degree Assault

1st Degree Rape

1st Degree Robbery

1st Degree Rape of a Child

1st Degree Arson

2nd Degree Kidnaping

2nd Degree Assault

2nd Degree Rape

2nd Degree Robbery

1st Degree Burglary

1st Degree Manslaughter

2nd Degree Manslaughter

1st Degree Extortion

Indecent Liberties

Incest

2nd Degree Rape of a Child

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular Assault

3rd Degree Rape

3rd Degree Rape of a Child

1st Degree Child Molestation

2nd Degree Child Molestation

3rd Degree Child Molestation

2nd Degree Extortion

1st Degree Promoting Prostitution

Intimidating a Juror

Communication with a Minor

Intimidating a Witness

Intimidating a Public Servant

Bomb Threat (if against person)

3rd Degree Assault

Unlawful Imprisonment

Promoting a Suicide Attempt

Riot (if against person)

CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY/OTHER CRIMES

2nd Degree Arson

1st Degree Escape

2nd Degree Burglary

1st Degree Theft

1st Degree Perjury

1st Degree Introducing Contraband

1st 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 Theft

2nd Degree Escape

2nd Degree Introducing Contraband

2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property

2nd Degree Malicious Mischief

1st Degree Reckless Burning

Taking a Motor Vehicle without Authorization

Forgery

2nd Degree Perjury

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

Riot (if against property)

Thefts of Livestock

ALL OTHER UNCLASSIFIED FELONIES

@la Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:

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:

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

(2) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and

(3) 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.

Exceptions

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

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

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

(3) 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.

Investigation Techniques

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

(1) Polygraph testing;

(2) Hypnosis;

(3) Electronic surveillance;

(4) Use of informants.

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.