9.95.047 - Abused victim--Considerations of board in reviewing petition. - Washington Statutes

Abused victim — Considerations of board in reviewing petition.

(1) If an inmate under the board's jurisdiction files a petition for review under RCW 9.95.045, the board shall review the duration of the inmate's confinement, including review of the minimum term and parole eligibility review dates. The board shall consider whether:

     (a) The petitioner was convicted for a murder committed prior to the effective date of RCW 9.94A.535(1)(h);

     (b) RCW 9.94A.535(1)(h), if effective when the petitioner committed the crime, would have provided a basis for the petitioner to seek a mitigated sentence; and

     (c) The sentencing court and prosecuting attorney, when making their minimum term recommendations, considered evidence that the victim subjected the petitioner or the petitioner's children to a continuing pattern of sexual or physical abuse and the murder was in response to that abuse.

     (2) The board may reset the minimum term and parole eligibility review date of a petitioner convicted of murder if the board finds that had RCW 9.94A.535(1)(h) been effective when the petitioner committed the crime, the petitioner may have received an exceptional mitigating sentence.

[1993 c 144 § 2.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1993 c 144: See note following RCW 9.95.045.