# RCW 9.94A.010: RCW 9.94A.010: Purpose

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S010

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 9.94A.010
- **Heading:** RCW 9.94A.010: Purpose
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 9 / Chapter 94A / Section 010

## Text

The purpose of this chapter is to make the criminal justice system accountable to the public by developing a system for the sentencing of felony offenders which structures, but does not eliminate, discretionary decisions affecting sentences, and to: (1) Ensure that the punishment for a criminal offense is proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and the offender's criminal history; (2) Promote respect for the law by providing punishment which is just; (3) Be commensurate with the punishment imposed on others committing similar offenses; (4) Protect the public; (5) Offer the offender an opportunity to improve himself or herself; (6) Make frugal use of the state's and local governments' resources; and (7) Reduce the risk of reoffending by offenders in the community.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 9.94A.010 RCW 9.94A.010: Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S010.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.015 RCW 9.94A.015: Finding—Intent—2000 c 28.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S015.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.020 RCW 9.94A.020: Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S020.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.030 RCW 9.94A.030: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S030.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.035 RCW 9.94A.035: Classification of felonies not in Title 9A RCW.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S035.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.171 RCW 9.94A.171: Tolling of term of confinement, supervision.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S171.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.190 RCW 9.94A.190: Terms of more than one year or less than one year—Where served—Reimbursement of costs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S190.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.340 RCW 9.94A.340: Equal application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S340.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.345 RCW 9.94A.345: Timing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S345.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.401 RCW 9.94A.401: Introduction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S401.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.411 RCW 9.94A.411: Evidentiary sufficiency.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S411.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.421 RCW 9.94A.421: Plea agreements—Discussions—Contents of agreements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S421.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.431 RCW 9.94A.431: Plea agreements—Information to court—Approval or disapproval—Sentencing judge not bound.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S431.md)
- [RCW 9.94A.441 RCW 9.94A.441: Plea agreements—Criminal history.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S441.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T9_C94A_S010. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.