Washington criminal charge
Vehicular homicide in Washington
Vehicular homicide is a Class A Felony under Washington criminal law, defined by RCW 46.61.520. 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 46.61.520.
What is the penalty for vehicular homicide 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 vehicular homicide in Washington
Is vehicular homicide a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
What are the penalties for vehicular homicide in Washington?
As a Class A Felony, vehicular homicide 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 vehicular homicide?
Vehicular homicide is governed by RCW 46.61.520 (Vehicular homicide—Penalty).
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.