Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Washington

Washington's 'persistent offender' (three strikes) law requires life in prison without the possibility of release for an offender convicted of a 'most serious offense' who has at least two prior separate convictions for most serious offenses (in Washington or elsewhere). A two-strikes rule applies to certain sex offenses: a conviction for first or second degree rape, first or second degree rape of a child, first degree child molestation, indecent liberties by forcible compulsion, or listed violent crimes with sexual motivation, after one prior conviction for such an offense, also brings life without release. Persistent offenders are not eligible for early release programs.