Conditional Release in Washington State: Types, Conditions, and Consequences

In Washington State, conditional release allows incarcerated individuals to serve part of their sentence in the community under specific supervision and requirements—balancing public safety with rehabilitation.

Five Main Forms

1. Early Release (Earned Release Time)

• Up to 33% of sentence for non-violent offenses; 10% for violent
• Earned through: good behavior, program completion (education, treatment, work), risk assessment
• Granted by DOC, not court

2. Community Custody

• Mandatory post-prison supervision for most felonies (12–36 months typical)
• Reside in approved housing; report to Community Corrections Officer (CCO)
• Conditions: treatment, employment, no-contact, geographic restrictions

3. Parole (Indeterminate Sentences – Pre-1984 / Certain Crimes)

• Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) decides release after minimum term
• Conditions: CCO reporting, treatment, employment, electronic monitoring possible
• Violation → return to prison for remainder

4. Work Release

• Reside in work release facility; work in community day
• Strict schedule, transportation, job verification, curfew
• Step-down from prison to community custody

5. Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM)

• Ankle monitor (GPS/RF) enforcing curfew/geofence
• Allowed for: work, treatment, medical, approved activities
• Pre-trial, sentence alternative, or reentry step

Standard Conditions (All Types)

• Obey all laws; no new offenses
• Report to CCO as directed (weekly to monthly)
• No drugs/alcohol (testing random/frequent)
• Maintain approved residence/employment
• No contact with victims/co-defendants
• Submit to searches (person, residence, vehicle, device)
• Pay legal financial obligations (LFOs)
• Complete court-ordered treatment

Violation Consequences

• Administrative: Increased reporting, tighter restrictions, EHM
• Graduated sanctions: Short jail stays (1–30 days) without full revocation
• Revocation hearing: Return to prison for remainder of sentence (or new term)
• New charges: If violation involves new crime

Legal Basis

RCW 9.94A (Sentencing Reform Act), RCW 72.09 (DOC authority), RCW 9.95 (Parole/ISRB). WAC 381 (ISRB rules), WAC 137 (DOC rules).

Goal

Reduce recidivism through structured transition. Washington's recidivism rate ~30% (3-year) – below national average, attributed partly to robust reentry framework.