Assault 1 Washington Sentencing Guidelines Calculator | 2024 RCW Chart - Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What are the sentencing guidelines for Assault 1 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

Washington uses a sentencing grid defined in RCW 9.94A.515. Assault 1 penalties depend on the Offense Seriousness Level (Level XII), Felony Class (Class A), and Offender Score (0–9+). This calculator uses the official grid to estimate sentencing ranges.

The sentencing grid combines the offense seriousness level with the defendant's criminal history (offender score) to determine a presumptive sentence range in months. For Assault 1, the ranges span from 93–123 months (offender score 0) to 240–318 months (offender score 9+).

Question 2

Is Assault 1 a felony or misdemeanor?

Accepted Answer

Assault 1 is a Class A felony in Washington State, which is the most serious felony classification. Class A felonies carry the longest potential prison sentences, ranging from approximately 7.75 years to over 26 years depending on the offender's criminal history.

As a violent offense and serious violent offense under Washington law, Assault 1 convictions result in severe consequences including lengthy prison terms, mandatory weapon enhancements if applicable, and significant collateral consequences affecting firearm rights, voting rights, employment, and immigration status.

Question 3

How are sentencing ranges determined?

Accepted Answer

Washington State calculates sentencing ranges using the Offense Seriousness Level (I–XVI) and the Offender Score (0–9+). Each combination determines a presumptive sentence range in months.

For Assault 1 (Seriousness Level XII):

Offense Seriousness Level: Level XII (one of the highest levels)
Offender Score: Calculated based on prior convictions, with points assigned for felonies, violent offenses, and other factors
Enhancements: Weapon enhancements add mandatory consecutive time (60 months for firearms, 24 months for deadly weapons)

Judges must generally impose a sentence within the calculated range unless they find substantial and compelling reasons for an exceptional sentence.

Question 4

Can good time or credit time reduce the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, earned release time may reduce the actual sentence served, depending on behavior and program participation, as governed by RCW 9.94A.729.

For Assault 1 (a serious violent offense), earned release time is more limited than for non-violent offenses:

Earned release: Inmates can earn up to 15% reduction for good behavior and program participation
Weapon enhancements: Time added for weapon enhancements cannot be reduced by earned release credits
Supervision: After release, defendants serve community custody (similar to parole) for a period determined by the court

The calculator shows the presumptive sentence range imposed by the court; actual time served may be reduced by earned release credits.

Question 5

What is Assault 1 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

Assault in the First Degree under RCW 9A.36.011 is a Class A felony at Seriousness Level XII. It is defined as:

Intentionally inflicting great bodily harm upon another person, or
Assault with intent to inflict great bodily harm, or
Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to inflict great bodily harm

Assault 1 is classified as both a violent offense and a serious violent offense under Washington law, making it one of the most serious assault charges. "Great bodily harm" means injury that creates a high probability of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or causes significant permanent loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ.

Source: RCW 9A.36.011

Question 6

What is the sentence for Assault 1 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

Assault in the First Degree is a Level XII offense. The sentence depends on the defendant's offender score:

Offender Score 0: 93–123 months (approximately 7.75–10.25 years)
Offender Score 1: 102–136 months (approximately 8.5–11.3 years)
Offender Score 2: 111–147 months (approximately 9.25–12.25 years)
Offender Score 3: 120–160 months (10–13.3 years)
Offender Score 9+: 240–318 months (20–26.5 years)

If a weapon enhancement applies, add 60 months for a firearm or 24 months for a deadly weapon (non-firearm), served consecutively. For example, an offender with a score of 0 and a firearm enhancement would face 153–183 months total (93-123 + 60).

Source: RCW 9.94A.510 (Sentencing Grid)

Question 7

What is the minimum sentence for Assault 1 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

The minimum sentence for Assault 1 depends on the defendant's offender score. For a first-time offender with no prior criminal history (Offender Score 0), the minimum is 93 months (approximately 7.75 years), which is the low end of the 93–123 month range.

As the offender score increases, the minimum also increases:

Offender Score 0: 93 months (minimum)
Offender Score 1: 102 months (minimum)
Offender Score 5: 138 months (minimum)
Offender Score 9+: 240 months / 20 years (minimum)

If a weapon enhancement is alleged and proven, it adds mandatory consecutive time on top of the base minimum: +60 months for a firearm or +24 months for a deadly weapon. For example, an offender score 0 defendant with a firearm enhancement faces a minimum of 153 months total (93 + 60).

The judge may impose the low end, high end, or anywhere within the presumptive range, but generally cannot go below the low end without finding mitigating circumstances under RCW 9.94A.535.

Source: RCW 9.94A.510

Question 8

What is Assault 1 DV in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

"Assault 1 DV" refers to Assault in the First Degree with a domestic violence designation. This occurs when the victim is a family or household member as defined in RCW 10.99.020 (spouse, ex-spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or household member).

The DV designation does not change the sentencing grid range for Assault 1 (still Level XII). However, it has significant collateral consequences:

No-contact orders: Court will typically issue a no-contact order with the victim.
Firearm prohibition: Federal and state law prohibit firearm possession for DV convictions.
Treatment programs: Defendant may be required to complete DV treatment.
Immigration impact: DV convictions can affect immigration status and deportability.
Enhanced penalties: DV designation combined with serious violent offense status creates additional restrictions.

Judges still use the same Level XII grid to determine the presumptive sentence range, but the collateral consequences are severe and long-lasting.

Source: RCW 10.99.020 (Domestic Violence Definitions)

Question 9

How are weapon enhancements applied to Assault 1 in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 add mandatory consecutive time to the base sentence for Assault 1. Because Assault 1 is a Class A felony, the enhancement periods are:

Firearm enhancement: +60 months (5 years)
Deadly weapon enhancement (non-firearm): +24 months (2 years)

Key rules:

Mandatory: If the State proves a weapon was used, the judge must impose the enhancement.
Consecutive: The enhancement runs after the base sentence, not concurrently.
No earned release: Enhancement time cannot be reduced by good behavior credits.
Separate finding: The jury (or judge in a bench trial) must make a special finding that the defendant was armed with or used a weapon.

Example calculation: An offender with a score of 2 (base range: 111–147 months) who used a firearm would face:
Base: 111–147 months
Enhancement: +60 months
Total: 171–207 months (approximately 14.25–17.25 years)

If both a firearm and another deadly weapon are involved, typically only the firearm enhancement (the higher one) is imposed, not both.

Source: RCW 9.94A.533 (Weapon Enhancements)

Washington Assault 1 Sentencing Calculator (RCW 9A.36.011)

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About Assault 1 in Washington State

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Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sentencing guidelines for Assault 1 in Washington State?

Is Assault 1 a felony or misdemeanor?

How are sentencing ranges determined?

Can good time or credit time reduce the sentence?

What is Assault 1 in Washington State?

What is the sentence for Assault 1 in Washington State?

What is the minimum sentence for Assault 1 in Washington State?

What is Assault 1 DV in Washington State?

How are weapon enhancements applied to Assault 1 in Washington?

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