NCJ Number
138556
Journal
Davis Law Review Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 715-753
Date Published
1992
Length
39 pages
Annotation
The Washington State and Federal guidelines sentencing systems are alike in general outline but different in detail. While each rates the seriousness of offenses and the offender's record of convictions, the Washington system applies only to felonies and contains 14 seriousness categories.
Abstract
The Federal system applies to felonies and misdemeanors and has 23 offense seriousness categories. Each system accounts for aggravating or mitigating circumstances, considers convictions concurrent with the offense for which the sentence is to be imposed, and authorizes sentences that fall outside the presumptive range. Departure authority under the Washington guidelines may apply to first-time offenders, sex offenders, and exceptional cases. Recent Washington Supreme Court decisions have prohibited exceptional sentences aimed at reforming or incapacitating an offender. 141 notes, 9 figures, and 1 table