Murder in Washington state law

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Murder in Washington state law constitutes the intentional killing, under circumstances defined by law, of people within or under the jurisdiction of the U.S. state of Washington.

Contents

In the state of Washington, a person may be convicted of first-degree murder when there is a premeditated intent to cause the death of another person. Murder in the first-degree is a class A felony in the state of Washington. [1] If a person is convicted of first-degree murder, they will not receive anything lower than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. [2]

The offender can possibly get a charge of aggravated first-degree murder if he commits first-degree murder and have an aggravating circumstance, for example if he kills a public safety official, such as a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic. In this case he can receive the death penalty.[3] However, in October 2018, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that execution could no longer be used as a penalty for any crime.. [3]

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the year 2020, the state had a murder rate well below the median for the entire country. [4]

Felony murder rule

In the state of Washington, the common law felony murder rule is codified at Revised Code of Washington §§ 9A.32.030(c) and 9A.32.050(b).

First degree felony murder

First degree felony murder is defined as a homicide committed by a participant against someone other than another participant, who is committing or attempting to commit (including during immediate flight from the crime) one of the following crimes: (1) robbery in the first or second degree, (2) rape in the first or second degree, (3) burglary in the first degree, (4) arson in the first or second degree, or (5) kidnapping in the first or second degree. [5]

Second degree felony murder

Second degree felony murder committed in the course of a felony not listed under first degree felony murder and in furtherance of such crime and causes the death of a person other than one of the participants. [5]

Penalties


:

OffenseMandatory sentence
Sentence enhancersUse of a firearm: 5 years, 10 years if subsequent conviction

Use of other deadly weapon: 2 years, 4 years if subsequent conviction Sexual motivation: 2 years, 4 years if subsequent conviction

Second Degree MurderMaximum of life without parole (10-18 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
First Degree MurderMandatory minimum of 20 years, maximum of life without parole (20-27 years is standard sentence without criminal record)
Aggravated First Degree MurderLife without parole or Death if the murder occurred before October 11 2018

See also

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References

  1. "RCW 9A.32.030: Murder in the first degree". Apps.leg.wa.gov. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  2. "RCW 9A.32.040: Murder in the first degree – Sentence". Apps.leg.wa.gov. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  3. "RCW 10.95.020: Definition". Apps.leg.wa.gov. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  4. "National Center for Health Statistics: Homicide Mortality by State". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  5. 1 2 "RCW 9A.32.030(b)" . Retrieved March 5, 2012.