Washington § 9A.20.030 - Alternative to a fine — Restitution.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9A.20.030 — Alternative to a fine — Restitution., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9A.20.030. Alternative to a fine — Restitution.

(1) If a person has gained money or property or caused a victim to lose money or property through the commission of a crime, upon conviction thereof or when the offender pleads guilty to a lesser offense or fewer offenses and agrees with the prosecutor's recommendation that the offender be required to pay restitution to a victim of an offense or offenses which are not prosecuted pursuant to a plea agreement, the court, in lieu of imposing the fine authorized for the offense under RCW 9A.20.020, may order the defendant to pay an amount, fixed by the court, not to exceed double the amount of the defendant's gain or victim's loss from the commission of a crime. Such amount may be used to provide restitution to the victim at the order of the court. It shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney to investigate the alternative of restitution, and to recommend it to the court, when the prosecuting attorney believes that restitution is appropriate and feasible. If the court orders restitution, the court shall make a finding as to the amount of the defendant's gain or victim's loss from the crime, and if the record does not contain sufficient evidence to support such finding the court may conduct a hearing upon the issue. For purposes of this section, the terms "gain" or "loss" refer to the amount of money or the value of property or services gained or lost.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this section also applies to any corporation or joint stock association found guilty of any crime.
[ 1982 1st ex.s. c 47 s 12; 1979 c 29 s 3; 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 s 9A.20.030.]

Notes

Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 47: See note following RCW 9.41.190.
Restitution
condition of probation: RCW 9.95.210.
condition to suspending sentence: RCW 9.92.060.
disposition when victim dead or not found: RCW 7.68.290.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 9A.20.030

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9A.20.030 cover?

Section 9A.20.030 ("Alternative to a fine — Restitution.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 9A.20.030?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 9A.20.030" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 9A.20.030 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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