Washington Charges for Crimes by Felony Class

In the State of Washington, a felony is a crime for which a sentence may be imposed in the duration of one year or more.

Felony Sentencing and Convictions in Washington

There are three classes of felonies in the State of Washington, in addition to Death Penalty cases. For a Death Penalty case, the only type of offense is Aggravated Murder in the First Degree. Typically, this consists of premeditated murder with a statutory aggravating factor. Aside from this exception, there are three classes for all other offenses with specific sentences.  The three classes and the sentences for each are as follows:

Washington Felony Records and Expungement

The State of Washington refers to its system of expunging of a criminal record as the “vacation” of a crime.  The vacation of a crime includes a felony.  If one was convicted of a felony at least five years prior, one may file a petition to request vacation of the felony.  However, one must meet certain criteria, which includes the following:

• the felony conviction occurred after July 1, 1984
• the conviction was not a Class A felony
• if the conviction was a Class C felony, it occurred at least 5 years ago
• if the conviction was a Class B felony, it occurred at least 10 years ago
• one has not been convicted of a new crime one has been discharged
• one’s conviction was not of a serious violent crime as defined in the Washington Criminal Code
• one’s conviction did not constitute a crime against persons as defined in the Washington Criminal Code
• there are not pending criminal charges anywhere against the petitioner

Washington Felony Statute of Limitations

The following time limitations apply to the prosecution of felony crimes in the State of Washington.

• No limitation: murder, arson causing death, homicide by abuse, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault causing death, hit and run injury causing death.
  
• 10 years: arson, public official misconduct, rape if reported within one year of the commission of the act
  
• 6 years: organized crime, criminal profiteering
  
• 5 years: Class C felony
  
• 3 years: other felonies
  

Note that sex offenses have different time frames for the prosecution of cases based upon whether the victim was a minor and when the offense was reported.  In addition, drug offenses have different time frames as well.

View all Criminal Statutes for Crimes in Washington

Help from a Lawyer in Washington for Felony Charges

If one is charged with a felony in the State of Washington, one should consider retaining an experienced criminal attorney.  An experienced attorney can not only review one’s case in order to determine what options one may have, but also an attorney can help to preserve one’s rights