Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

The purpose of this chapter is to make the criminal justice system accountable to the public by developing a system for the sentencing of felony offenders which structures, but does not eliminate, discretionary decisions affecting sentences, and to:

     (1) Ensure that the punishment for a criminal offense is proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and the offender's criminal history;

     (2) Promote respect for the law by providing punishment which is just;

     (3) Be commensurate with the punishment imposed on others committing similar offenses;

     (4) Protect the public;

     (5) Offer the offender an opportunity to improve him or herself;

     (6) Make frugal use of the state's and local governments' resources; and

     (7) Reduce the risk of reoffending by offenders in the community.

[1999 c 196 § 1; 1981 c 137 § 1.]

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