Assault 1st Degree (Assault 1) is a Class A felony. RCW 9A.36.011 If convicted it is punishable by up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Assault 1 is not limited to domestic violence situations but if the requisite domestic relationship exists between the parties, the charge will be given a domestic violence designation.
Assault 1 is committed if a person, with intent to inflict great bodily harm
- Assaults another with a firearm or other deadly weapon or any force likely to cause great bodily harm or death
- Administers or exposes another to poison, the HIV virus or another noxious substance
- Assaults another and does inflict great bodily harm.
What separates first-degree assault from the other variations is the necessity for the state to prove the intent to commit great bodily harm. Without that necessary element, assuming the others are present, the individual would likely be facing an Assault 2 charge.
First-degree assault is a most serious offense under Washington law and as such could subject a person to live in prison is considered a “persistent offender.” Even without any criminal history, one convicted of Assault 1 would be looking at significant prison time. It is crime with a seriousness level 12, meaning a minimum prison term of 93-164 months or more.
For questions regarding Assault 1 charges and defenses, contact the attorneys at Milios Defense.