NCJ Number
78533
Date Published
1978
Length
31 pages
Annotation
These sentencing standards for the Washington State juvenile justice system were developed in accordance with State legislative requirements.
Abstract
Only three factors were to be considered in establishing the sentencing standards: age, criminal history, and current offense. The legislature required that the minimum for any term of confinement over 1 year be no less than 80 percent of the maximum, that the minimum for terms between 90 days and 1 year be no less than 75 percent of the maximum, and that the minimum for terms of 90 days be no less than 50 percent of the maximum. These guidelines were used to develop sentencing standards based on a point system. A youth's age and current offense establishes a base point number which is multiplied by points received for criminal history; the resulting points establish what standard disposition will be for that particular youth given the youth's age, current offense, and criminal history. Tables and an attachment explain the standards in detail. A bulletin setting forth policies and procedures regarding security levels is appended. It provides guidelines for determining initial placement and subsequent movement within juvenile rehabilitation facilities, criteria for considering transfer of a juvenile to different levels of security, and guidelines for granting exceptions. (Author abstract modified)