Felony

Felonies in Washington state are considered serious offenses and come hand in hand with significant consequences for the accused, including potentially long prison sentences, heavy fines, and a long-lasting criminal history. A felony charge in the state can happen due to several different offenses, like murder, sexual assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and serious property crimes.

Washington classifies felonies into different categories, with the most severe charges carrying life sentences. The state’s criminal justice system has been designed to handle these cases thoughtfully and has allowed for careful legal defense strategies that help the accused achieve a more favorable overall outcome.

If you are facing felony charges in Washington, you may not realize what exactly this entails. It can mean pretrial motions, discovery, negotiations, and even the possibility of a trial. Considering the consequences you may be facing from a felony conviction, you want to find an experienced criminal defense attorney who is skilled in handling these kinds of cases.

A criminal defense attorney can assess the specifics of your case, challenge the evidence being presented, and work to mitigate the charges against you or seek reduced sentences. They can also negotiate plea deals with the prosecutors, which can ultimately lead to lesser charges or alternative sentencing options like probation.

In more complicated felony cases, your criminal defense attorney can work to defend your constitutional rights, ensure a fair trial, and provide you with reliable legal counsel throughout the proceedings. They can challenge unlawful search and seizures, cross-examine witnesses, and find weaknesses in the prosecution’s strategies.

Felony Types in Washington State

Washington categorizes felonies into several different classes based on the severity of the crime. These classes can range from Class A (the most serious) to Class C (the least serious).

Class A Felonies

These are the most severe felonies that carry the harshest penalties. Here are some examples:

• Murder (RCW 9A.32.030): First-degree murder (intentional killing) can ultimately result in a life sentence or the death penalty. However, the death penalty was abolished in the state in April of 2023 byGovernor Jay Inslee when he signed SB5087, which removed any provisions there were for capital punishment from state law.
• Kidnapping (RCW 9A.40.020): Kidnapping in the first degree happens when someone takes or confines another person with the intent to hold them for ransom or to commit another crime. Penalties for kidnapping can range from 20 years in prison to life sentences.
• Rape (RCW 9A.44.040): First-degree rape is when sexual intercourse happens by force, threat, or with someone unconscious or mentally incapacitated. Sentences for these felony charges can range from 6 to 12 years or more in prison.

Class B Felonies

While these crimes are also serious, they are considered less severe than the Class A felonies we highlighted above. Some examples include:

• Assault (RCW 9A.36.011): Second-degree assault involves serious bodily harm or the use of a weapon during the crime. It can lead to sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
• Theft (RCW 9A.56.020): This happens when the value of the stolen property is over $5,000. The penalties can vary for this charge but often include imprisonment for up to 10 years.
• Burglary (RCW 9A.52.020): First-degree burglary is when someone enters a building with the intent to commit theft, assault, or other crimes. Convictions can lead to sentences of up to 10 years.

Class C Felonies

These often carry lighter penalties but still have some severe consequences. Examples include:

• Possession of Controlled Substances (RCW 69.50.401): Possession of illegal drugs, like heroin or methamphetamine, in amounts that meet felony thresholds, can lead to prison time and fines.
• Perjury (RCW 9A.72.020): Making false statements under oath during legal proceedings can result in up to 5 years in prison.
• Theft (RCW 9A.56.020): Felony theft involving stolen goods valued between $750 and $5,000 is considered a Class C felony.

Sentencing and Penalties

The sentencing guidelines for felonies in Washington are usually determined by theSentencing Reform Act (SRA), which can be found underRCW 9.94A.500-9.94A.525.

• Severity of the Offense: Based on the class of the crime committed, the seriousness of each offense determines the punishment.
• Criminal History: If you have prior convictions, it can increase the sentence you are given. The Washington State Criminal Sentencing Guidelines determine the sentences based on the severity of the offense and your past criminal history.
• Aggravating Factors: If you used a weapon, have prior convictions, or the victim was vulnerable, it can also affect sentencing. However, your lack of prior criminal history or a show of remorse can also result in a lesser sentence.

Western Washington is known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant city life, where you will also find a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. However, like any other large region in the US, it faces its fair share of challenges, including criminal activity.

InWashington state, felony charges are taken very seriously and can have long-lasting effects on the person’s life through lengthy prison sentences and the social stigma that will follow them. From drug-related offenses to violent crimes, felony cases reflect the complexities involved with both urban and rural issues throughout the state.

In addition to these crimes, felony charges extend to white-collar offenses and property-related crimes. As the state continues to grow, new challenges related to crime will emerge, and felony convictions can impact employment, housing, and even your ability to vote.

So, if you are facing felony charges, seek assistance from experienced criminal defense attorneys well-versed in the area and state and federal laws.

With years of experience with felony cases, our criminal defense attorneys firmly believe that every felony can be successfully challenged one way or another. So if you or a loved one are dealing with felony charges, you should speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will do everything we can to ensure that your case has the best possible chances at a fair and favorable outcome.

Our experienced attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights.

If you’ve been charged with a felony, you probably already know how serious your situation is. A felony conviction can be a black mark on your record, with severe penalties.

A felony is any crime with a potential punishment above a year in jail. Felonies are then divided into three different classes – A, B, and C.

A Class C felony is the least serious felony. It has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An example of a Class C Felony is theft 2°, rape 3°, malicious harassment, and assault 3°.

A Class B felony has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Examples include assault 2°, theft 1°, manslaughter 2°, and theft of a motor vehicle.

Lastly, a Class A felony is the most serious type of crime you can face. It comes with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Examples include manslaughter 1°, assault 1°, rape 2°, and assault 2° with sexual motivation.

When you are facing felony charges, you need help and guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Washington State Attorneys, we can help you navigate these serious charges. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how we can work with you to fight your charges.