Washington criminal charge
Murder in the second degree in Washington
Murder in the second degree is a Class A Felony under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.32.050. As a Class A Felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Washington sets for that offense class. Washington sorts criminal offenses into class A, B, and C felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors — a gross misdemeanor is a distinct, more serious rung than a misdemeanor — with maximum penalties set by RCW 9A.20.021.
Defined by RCW 9A.32.050.
What is the penalty for murder in the second degree in Washington?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | a maximum term of life imprisonment (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(a)); the sentence actually imposed is set by the Sentencing Reform Act standard range (RCW 9.94A.510) from the offense's seriousness level and the defendant's offender score | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
| Fine | up to $50,000 (statutory maximum, adult offenders (RCW 9A.20.021(5)); unless a different maximum is specifically established by statute) | discretionary | RCW 9A.20.021 |
Applies to crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984.
Common questions about murder in the second degree in Washington
Is murder in the second degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for murder in the second degree in Washington?
As a Class A Felony, murder in the second degree carries a maximum term of life imprisonment (RCW 9A.20.021(1)(a)); the sentence actually imposed is set by the Sentencing Reform Act standard range (RCW 9.94A.510) from the offense's seriousness level and the defendant's offender score of incarceration and a fine of up to $50,000 (no mandatory minimum) under RCW 9A.20.021 (crimes committed on or after July 1, 1984).
Which Washington statute covers murder in the second degree?
Murder in the second degree is governed by RCW 9A.32.050 (Murder in the second degree).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.