State v. Ratliff

Keith Ratliff was found guilty by a jury of intimidating a witness. Although the standard sentence range for this offense under the sentencing reform act, con sidering Ratliff's criminal history and the nature of the offense, is 15 to 20 months, Ratliff was sentenced to 40 months' imprisonment. He appeals.

On November 19, 1984, Ratliff slashed the tires of the victim's car while it was parked at a parking garage near her office. Ratliff was charged with criminal menacing by the City of Seattle. The victim was subpoenaed to testify at Ratliff's trial. On December 20, 1984, Ratliff again slashed…