Washington Supreme Court July 21, 2005, Nos. 75357-1; 76464-6; 76561-8 (State v. Canfield)

¶1 Allocution is the right of a criminal defendant to make a personal argument or statement to the court before the pronouncement of sentence. It is the defendant’s opportunity to plead for mercy and present any information in mitigation of sentence. Washington recognizes the right of a defendant to allocute at sentencing.