Washington criminal charge
Rape of a child in the first degree in Washington
Rape of a child in the first degree is a Class A Felony under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 9A.44.073. 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.44.073.
What is the penalty for rape of a child in the first 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 rape of a child in the first degree in Washington
Is rape of a child in the first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for rape of a child in the first degree in Washington?
As a Class A Felony, rape of a child in the first 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 rape of a child in the first degree?
Rape of a child in the first degree is governed by RCW 9A.44.073 (Rape of a child in the first 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.