In Re the Personal Restraint of Williams

Andersen, J.—

Facts of Case

The personal restraint petition of Allen Ray Williams (defendant) raises a number of issues relating to the use of prior convictions in sentencing a defendant under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (SRA).1

On July 20, 1985, the defendant, who had a long history of driving infractions, drove a truck into another vehicle and caused the death of the other driver. The defendant had been drinking and had a blood alcohol reading in excess of .10 at the time.

On February 5, 1986 the defendant pleaded guilty to the crime of vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520). Four driving…