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Washington Revised Code Title 9. Crimes and Punishments § 9.94A.010. Purpose

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

The purpose of this chapter is to make the criminal justice system accountable to the public by developing a system for the sentencing of felony offenders which structures, but does not eliminate, discretionary decisions affecting sentences, and to:

(1) Ensure that the punishment for a criminal offense is proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and the offender's criminal history;

(2) Promote respect for the law by providing punishment which is just;

(3) Be commensurate with the punishment imposed on others committing similar offenses;

(4) Protect the public;

(5) Offer the offender an opportunity to improve himself or herself;

(6) Make frugal use of the state's and local governments' resources; and

(7) Reduce the risk of reoffending by offenders in the community.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Washington Revised Code Title 9. Crimes and Punishments § 9.94A.010. Purpose - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wa/title-9-crimes-and-punishments/wa-rev-code-9-94a-010/

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