The Death Penalty in Washington
How Washington law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.
Short answer: Washington law no longer provides a death sentence. Aggravated first degree murder, the most serious crime, is punished by life imprisonment without possibility of release or parole, and the sentence may not be suspended, deferred or commuted by a judge or reduced by the sentence review… RCW 10.95.030; RCW 9.94A.570 (reviser's note)
| Death penalty | Washington law no longer provides a death sentence. Aggravated first degree murder, the most serious crime, is punished by life imprisonment without possibility of release or parole, and the sentence may not be suspended, deferred or commuted by a judge or reduced by the sentence review board. An offender who was under 18 at the time must receive a maximum of life with a minimum term of at least 25 years. The legislature removed the death-sentence provision in 2023 (chapter 102, Laws of 2023). The 2023 amendment is stated in the reviser's note to RCW 9.94A.570: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.570 |
|---|
More Washington criminal law
- Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Washington
- Self-Defense Laws in Washington
- Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Washington
- Bail, Pretrial Release and Public Defenders in Washington
- Assault Laws in Washington
- Battery Laws in Washington
- Domestic Violence Charges in Washington
- Shoplifting and Petty Theft in Washington
- Burglary and Robbery in Washington
- Vandalism Laws in Washington
- Trespassing Laws in Washington
- Drug Possession Laws in Washington
- Hit and Run Laws in Washington
- Reckless Driving in Washington
- Harassment and Stalking Laws in Washington
- Resisting Arrest in Washington
- Missing a Court Date in Washington
- Probation Violations in Washington
- Obstruction of Justice in Washington
- Perjury Laws in Washington
- Public Intoxication in Washington
- Disorderly Conduct in Washington
- Indecent Exposure in Washington
- Prostitution and Solicitation Laws in Washington
- Gambling Laws in Washington
- Embezzlement Laws in Washington
- Fraud and Identity Theft in Washington
- Forgery Laws in Washington
- Blackmail and Extortion Laws in Washington
- Murder Laws in Washington
- Manslaughter Laws in Washington
- Child Endangerment Laws in Washington
- Arson Laws in Washington
- Animal Cruelty Laws in Washington
- Revenge Porn Laws in Washington
- Cyberbullying Laws in Washington
- Sexting Laws in Washington
- Money Laundering Laws in Washington
- Human Trafficking Laws in Washington
- Jaywalking Laws in Washington
- Open Container Law in Washington
- Underage Drinking and Fake ID Laws in Washington
- Driving on a Suspended License in Washington
- Driving Without a License in Washington
- Knife Laws in Washington
- Fireworks Laws in Washington
- Kidnapping Laws in Washington
- Criminal Threats Laws in Washington
- Car Theft Laws in Washington
- Receiving Stolen Property in Washington
- Organized Retail Theft in Washington
- Drug Trafficking Laws in Washington
- Prescription Fraud Laws in Washington
- Vehicular Assault Laws in Washington
- Street Racing Laws in Washington
- Boating Under the Influence in Washington
- Insurance Fraud Laws in Washington
- Welfare and Unemployment Fraud in Washington
- Bribery Laws in Washington
- State Tax Evasion in Washington
- Sexual Assault Laws in Washington
- Child Sexual Abuse Laws in Washington
- Child Sexual Abuse Material Laws in Washington
- Online Solicitation of a Minor in Washington
- Sex Offender Registration in Washington
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Washington
- Computer Crime Laws in Washington
- Recording Laws in Washington
- False Police Report Laws in Washington
- Hate Crime Laws in Washington
- Parole Violations in Washington
- Violating a Protective Order in Washington
- Juveniles Tried as Adults in Washington
- Voting Rights After a Felony in Washington
- Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Washington
- Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Washington
- Delta-8 and Hemp THC Laws in Washington
- Psilocybin Laws in Washington
- CBD Laws in Washington
- Tobacco and Vaping Laws in Washington
- Elder Abuse Laws in Washington
- Voyeurism Laws in Washington
- Assault on a Police Officer in Washington
- All Washington criminal law rules
FAQ
Does Washington have the death penalty?
Washington law no longer provides a death sentence. Aggravated first degree murder, the most serious crime, is punished by life imprisonment without possibility of release or parole, and the sentence may not be suspended, deferred or commuted by a judge or reduced by the sentence review board. An offender who was under 18 at the time must receive a maximum of life with a minimum term of at least 25 years. The legislature removed the death-sentence provision in 2023 (chapter 102, Laws of 2023).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.