Assault 2 Washington Sentencing Guidelines Calculator | 2024 RCW Chart - Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What are the sentencing guidelines for Assault 2 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

Washington uses a sentencing grid defined in RCW 9.94A.515. Assault 2 penalties depend on the Offense Seriousness Level (Level IV), Felony Class (Class B), 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 2, the ranges span from 3–9 months (offender score 0) to 63–84 months (offender score 9+).

Question 2

Is Assault 2 a felony or misdemeanor?

Accepted Answer

Assault 2 is a Class B felony in Washington State. Class B felonies are serious crimes that carry substantial prison sentences, ranging from a few months to several years depending on the offender's criminal history.

As a violent offense under Washington law (but not a "serious violent offense" like Assault 1), Assault 2 convictions result in significant consequences including prison time, mandatory weapon enhancements if applicable, and collateral consequences affecting firearm rights, voting rights during incarceration, employment opportunities, 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 2 (Seriousness Level IV):

Offense Seriousness Level: Level IV (mid-level felony)
Offender Score: Calculated based on prior convictions, with points assigned for felonies, violent offenses, and other factors
Enhancements: Weapon enhancements add mandatory consecutive time (36 months for firearms, 18 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 2 (a violent offense), earned release time options include:

Earned release: Inmates can earn up to 33.33% reduction for good behavior and program participation for violent offenses (or up to 50% for non-violent offenses)
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 the sentence for Assault 2 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

Assault in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.36.021) is a Class B felony at Seriousness Level IV. The sentence depends on the defendant's offender score:

Offender Score 0: 3–9 months
Offender Score 1: 6–12 months
Offender Score 2: 12–14 months
Offender Score 3: 13–17 months
Offender Score 9+: 63–84 months

If a weapon enhancement applies, add 36 months for a firearm or 18 months for a deadly weapon (non-firearm), served consecutively. For example, an offender with a score of 0 and a firearm enhancement would face 39–45 months total (3-9 + 36).

Source: RCW 9.94A.510 (Sentencing Grid)

Question 6

What is Assault 2 DV in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

"Assault 2 DV" refers to Assault in the Second 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 2 (still Level IV). 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.

Judges still use the same Level IV grid to determine the presumptive sentence range.

Source: RCW 10.99.020 (Domestic Violence Definitions)

Question 7

What is the minimum sentence for Assault 2 in Washington State?

Accepted Answer

The minimum sentence for Assault 2 depends on the defendant's offender score. For a first-time offender with no prior criminal history (Offender Score 0), the minimum is 3 months (the low end of the 3–9 month range).

As the offender score increases, the minimum also increases:

Offender Score 0: 3 months (minimum)
Offender Score 1: 6 months (minimum)
Offender Score 5: 22 months (minimum)
Offender Score 9+: 63 months (minimum)

If a weapon enhancement is alleged and proven, it adds mandatory consecutive time on top of the base minimum: +36 months for a firearm or +18 months for a deadly weapon. For example, an offender score 0 defendant with a firearm enhancement faces a minimum of 39 months total (3 + 36).

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

Assault 2 strangulation Washington State—how is it sentenced?

Accepted Answer

Assault 2 by strangulation (RCW 9A.36.021(1)(g)) occurs when someone intentionally impedes the normal breathing or blood circulation of another by applying pressure to the throat, neck, or chest. It is often charged when the victim is a family or household member, triggering a domestic violence designation.

Sentencing level: Strangulation under Assault 2 is still a Level IV offense, the same as other Assault 2 charges. The sentencing grid range is identical to standard Assault 2.

Example: For an offender score of 0, the range is 3–9 months, whether the charge is standard Assault 2 or Assault 2 by strangulation.

However, strangulation charges often come with additional consequences:

DV designation: Typically applied when the victim is a family or household member, leading to no-contact orders and firearm prohibitions.
Enhanced scrutiny: Prosecutors and judges view strangulation seriously due to its lethality risk and link to future domestic violence homicides.
Weapon enhancement: If a weapon was used during the assault (rare for strangulation but possible), add 18–36 months consecutively.

Source: RCW 9A.36.021 (Assault 2)

Question 9

How are weapon enhancements applied to Assault 2 in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 add mandatory consecutive time to the base sentence for Assault 2. Because Assault 2 is a Class B felony, the enhancement periods are:

Firearm enhancement: +36 months
Deadly weapon enhancement (non-firearm): +18 months

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: 12–14 months) who used a firearm would face:
Base: 12–14 months
Enhancement: +36 months
Total: 48–50 months

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 2 Sentencing Calculator (RCW 9A.36.021)

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About Assault 2 in Washington State

How to Use This Calculator

Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sentencing guidelines for Assault 2 in Washington State?

Is Assault 2 a felony or misdemeanor?

How are sentencing ranges determined?

Can good time or credit time reduce the sentence?

What is the sentence for Assault 2 in Washington State?

What is Assault 2 DV in Washington State?

What is the minimum sentence for Assault 2 in Washington State?

Assault 2 strangulation Washington State—how is it sentenced?

How are weapon enhancements applied to Assault 2 in Washington?

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