Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

arson

Ia arson in any degree considered a voilent crime?


Asked on 9/17/99, 7:29 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

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

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Answered on 9/24/99, 2:38 am
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

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

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Answered on 9/22/99, 12:56 am


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