Washington legal term
Statutory maximum sentence in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Statutory maximum sentence” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Statutory maximum sentence” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Statutory maximum sentence" means the maximum length of time for which an offender may be confined as punishment for a crime as prescribed in chapter 9A.20 RCW, RCW 9.92.010, the statute defining the crime, or other statute defining the maximum penalty for a crime. (RCW 9.94A.030)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.