9.94A.836 - Special allegation -- Offense was predatory -- Procedures. - Washington Statutes

Special allegation — Offense was predatory — Procedures.

(1) In a prosecution for rape of a child in the first degree, rape of a child in the second degree, or child molestation in the first degree, the prosecuting attorney shall file a special allegation that the offense was predatory whenever sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify a finding by a reasonable and objective fact finder that the offense was predatory, unless the prosecuting attorney determines, after consulting with a victim, that filing a special allegation under this section is likely to interfere with the ability to obtain a conviction.

     (2) Once a special allegation has been made under this section, the state has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the offense was predatory. If a jury is had, the jury shall, if it finds the defendant guilty, also find a special verdict as to whether the offense was predatory. If no jury is had, the court shall make a finding of fact as to whether the offense was predatory.

     (3) The prosecuting attorney shall not withdraw a special allegation filed under this section without the approval of the court through an order of dismissal of the allegation. The court may not dismiss the special allegation unless it finds that the order is necessary to correct an error in the initial charging decision or that there are evidentiary problems that make proving the special allegation doubtful.

[2006 c 122 § 1.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2006 c 122 §§ 1-4 and 6: "Sections 1 through 4 and 6 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 20, 2006]." [2006 c 122 § 10.]