Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

More Re: arson

First degree arson is also a violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030(38)(a), http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%20%209%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%20%209%20.%2094A%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%20%209%20.%2094A.030.htm, because it is a Class A felony. RCW 9A.94.020(2) at http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%20%209A%20TITLE/RCW%20%20%209A.%2048%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%20%209A.%2048%20.020.htm.

Thus, since second degree arson is by definition a violent offense under RCW 9.94A.030(38)(a), and there are only two degrees of arson, all arson in WA is considered a violent offense.

Gary Preble

Re: arson

Yes. RCW 9.9A.030(38) defines "violent offense" as including 2nd degree arson. http://search.leg.wa.gov/wslrcw/RCW%20%20%209%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%20%209%20.%2094A%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%20%209%20.%2094A.030.htm.

See http://www.olywa.net/preblelaw/washingt.htm#Washington for links to WA law and search.

Gary Preble