NCJ Number
111534
Date Published
1986
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the first full calendar year of Washington State's implemented sentencing guidelines, also comparing sentencing practices under the Sentencing Reform Act in 1985 with sentencing practices in 1982 under an indeterminate sentencing system.
Abstract
The Sentencing Reform Act prescribes a standard (presumptive) sentencing range for all felony offenses. Exceptional sentences outside this range may be imposed, and a sentence within the range may be waived for first-time, nonviolent offenders or suspended for most sex offenders. Despite these available alternatives, 90 percent of all felony convictions involved sentences within the standard range over the first year. This sentencing consistency resulted in a marked drop in variability of both imprisonment rate and sentence length for persons with similar criminal histories who commit similar crimes. A reduction in county-to-county variability in imprisonment rates and sentence lengths was also observed. More violent offenders and fewer nonviolent offenders received State prison sentences than in 1982. The use of community service as an alternative to jail has doubled since 1982. Overall, the Sentencing Reform Act has met its legislative mandates. 23 tables, 10 figures. (Author summary modified)