In re the Personal Restraint of Breedlove

— The issue in this personal restraint proceeding is whether a criminal defendant may, as part of a plea agreement, stipulate to the imposition of an exceptional sentence. ■

We answer in the affirmative and hold that a stipulation to an exceptional sentence, made as part of a valid plea agreement, may be a substantial and compelling reason that justifies the imposition of a sentence outside the standard range. Such an exceptional sentence must be one that is authorized by statute. We also hold that a trial court imposing such a sentence has an independent statutory duty to make findings of…