Washington good time and sentence credit rules
Most Washington prisoners can earn early release of up to one-third of the sentence. Serious violent offenses and class A sex offenses are capped at 10% or 15%. Some lower-risk people can earn up to 50%.[1]
Sources last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:19 AM MT. This explains current law. It does not calculate anyone's date.
Credit types and rates
- The correctional agency awards earned release time for good behavior and good performance. Credits cannot be given before they are earned.[1]
- Presentence jail time can earn credits too.[1]
- Up to 50% for people not classified as high risk and not serving a sentence for a sex, violent, person, felony domestic violence, or other listed offense.[1]
- Default cap: one-third of the total sentence.[1]
Exclusions and limits
- Serious violent offenses or class A sex offenses committed July 1, 1990 through June 30, 2003: 15% maximum. On or after July 1, 2003: 10% maximum.[1]
- Sentences under RCW 10.95.030(3) or 10.95.035: no earned time during the minimum term, then 10% of the rest.[1]
- No good time on the parts of a sentence that come from deadly weapon, firearm, impaired driving, or minor child enhancements.[1]
Parole eligibility vs. discharge
- Washington's determinate sentences end in community custody, not parole. Earned release time moves up the transfer to community custody or release.[1]
How to find a release date
- Search the official WA DOC incarcerated individual search by name or ID number.
- Look for the projected release, parole eligibility, or discharge date. The DOC record already includes credits it has awarded.
- For questions, contact the facility records office. Only DOC can correct a date.
New laws and bills
Not yet verified We have not yet verified whether sentence-credit legislation is active here. (tracker checked Oct 16, 2026)
FAQ
How much earned time can you get in Washington?
Generally up to one-third of the sentence. It is 10-15% for serious violent and class A sex offenses, and up to 50% for qualifying low-risk people (RCW 9.94A.729).
Do enhancements get good time?
No. Firearm, deadly weapon, impaired driving and minor child enhancement time earns no good time.
What this site can't do
| Issue | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline and lost credits | We cannot see write-ups, forfeitures or restored credits. Only the facility record shows them. |
| Detainers and holds | Warrants, immigration holds or other-state detainers can block release. They are not in public data. |
| Consecutive and concurrent sentences | How sentences stack changes every date. We do not recompute aggregated sentences. |
| Parole board discretion | Eligibility is not release. Boards decide, and can deny or defer. |
| Jail credit errors | Pretrial credit is set by the court. Errors must be fixed through the court or records office. |
| Recent law changes | New laws, court rulings and DOC policy changes can take weeks to reach records. |
| Individual legal advice | We explain public rules. A lawyer or the DOC records office can apply them to one case. |
Always confirm dates with the official DOC records office.
Sources
Official statute, regulation, or agency pages only. Last checked Oct 16, 2026, 8:19 AM MT. Spotted an error? Tell us.
All 50 states + DC · Federal (First Step Act) · Paroling to another state (Interstate Compact)
Sources: RCW 9.94A.729 (earned release time) · Last verified: · Corrections