CrRLJ 3.1: RIGHT TO AND ASSIGNMENT OF LAWYER

(a) Types of Proceedings.

The right to a lawyer shall extend to all criminal proceedings for offenses punishable by loss of liberty regardless of their denomination as felonies, misdemeanors, or otherwise.

(b) Stage of Proceedings.

(1) The right to a lawyer shall accrue as soon as feasible after the defendant has been arrested, appears before a committing magistrate, or is formally charged, whichever occurs earliest.

(2) A lawyer shall be provided at every critical stage of the proceedings.

(c) Explaining the Availability of a Lawyer.

(1) When a person has been arrested he or she shall as soon as practicable be advised of the right to a lawyer. Such advice shall be made in words easily understood, and it shall be stated expressly that a person who is unable to pay a lawyer is entitled to have one provided without charge.

(2) At the earliest opportunity a person in custody who desires a lawyer shall be provided access to a telephone, the telephone number of the public defender or official responsible for assigning a lawyer, and any other means necessary to place him or her in communication with a lawyer.

(d) Assignment of Lawyer.

(1) Unless waived, a lawyer shall be provided to any person who is financially unable to obtain one without causing substantial hardship to the person or to the person's family. A lawyer shall not be denied to any person merely because his or her friends or relatives have resources adequate to retain a lawyer or because he or she has posted or is capable of posting bond.

(2) The ability to pay part of the cost of a lawyer shall not preclude assignment. The assignment of a lawyer may be conditioned upon part payment pursuant to an established method of collection.

(3) Information given by a person to assist in the determination of whether he or she is financially able to obtain a lawyer shall be under oath and shall not be available for use to the prosecution in the pending case in chief.

(4) Before appointing a lawyer for an indigent person, or at the first appearance of the lawyer in the case, the court shall require the lawyer to certify to the court that he or she complies with the applicable Standards for Indigent Defense Services to be approved by the Supreme Court.

(e) Withdrawal of Lawyer.

Whenever a case has been set for trial, no lawyer shall be allowed to withdraw except upon consent of the court for good cause shown and upon substitution of another lawyer or upon the defendant's knowing and voluntary decision to proceed without a lawyer.

(f) Services Other Than Lawyer.

(1) A lawyer for a defendant who is financially unable to obtain investigative, expert or other services necessary to an adequate defense in the case may request them by a motion to the court.

(2) Upon finding that the services are necessary and that the defendant is financially unable to obtain them, the court, or a person or agency to which the administration of the program may have been delegated by local court rule, shall authorize the services. The motion may be made ex parte, and, upon a showing of good cause, the moving papers may be ordered sealed by the court, and shall remain sealed until further order of the court. The court, in the interest of justice and on a finding that timely procurement of necessary services could not await prior authorization, shall ratify such services after they have been obtained.

(3) Reasonable compensation for the services shall be determined and payment directed to the organization or person who rendered them upon the filing of a claim for compensation supported by affidavit specifying the time expended and the services and expenses incurred on behalf of the defendant, and the compensation received in the same case or for the same services from any other source.

[Amended effective September 1, 1995; June 30, 2012].

CrRLJ 3.1: Stds Standards for Indigent Defense

(in Word Format)

CrRLJ 3.2: Release of Accused

(in Word Format)

CrRLJ 3.2.1: PROCEDURE FOLLOWING WARRANTLESS ARREST -- PRELIMINARY HEARING

(a) Probable Cause Determination.

A person who is arrested shall have a judicial determination of probable cause no later than 48 hours following the person's arrest, unless probable cause has been determined prior to such arrest.

(b) How Determined.

The court shall determine probable cause on evidence presented by a peace officer or prosecuting authority in the same manner as provided for a warrant of arrest in CrRLJ 2.2. In making the probable cause determination, the court may consider an affidavit, a document as provided in RCW 9A.72.085 or any law amendatory thereto, or sworn testimony, and further may examine under oath the affiant and any witnesses the affiant may produce. Sworn testimony, including telephonic statements, shall be recorded electronically, stenographically, or by reliable method. The written or recorded evidence considered by the court may be hearsay in whole or part. The evidence shall be preserved and shall be subject to constitutional limitations for probable cause determinations. The court's probable cause determination may be recorded through any reliable method. If the court finds that release without bail should be denied or that conditions should attach to the release on personal recognizance, other than the promise to appear for court hearing, the court shall proceed to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that the accused committed the crime alleged, unless this determination has previously been made by a court.

(c) Court Days.

For the purpose of section (a), Saturday, Sunday and holidays may be considered judicial days.

(d) Preliminary Appearance.

(1) Adult. Unless an accused has appeared or will appear before the superior court for a preliminary appearance, any accused detained in jail must be brought before a court of limited jurisdiction as soon as practicable after the detention is commenced, but in any event before the close of business on the next court day.

(2) Juveniles. Unless an accused has appeared or will appear before the superior court for a preliminary appearance, any accused in whose case the juvenile court has entered a written order declining jurisdiction and who is detained in custody, must be brought before a court of limited jurisdiction as soon as practicable after the juvenile court order is entered, but in any event before the close of business on the next court day.

(3) Unavailability. If an accused is unavailable for preliminary appearance because of physical or mental disability, the court may, for good cause shown and recorded by the court, enlarge the time prior to preliminary appearance.

(e) Procedure at Preliminary Appearance.

(1) At the preliminary appearance, the court shall provide for a lawyer pursuant to rule 3.1 and for pretrial release pursuant to rule 3.2, and the court shall orally inform the accused: (i) of the nature of the charge against the accused; (ii) of the right to be assisted by a lawyer at every stage of the proceedings; and (iii) of the right to remain silent, and that anything the accused says may be used against him or her.

(2) If the court finds that release should be denied or that conditions should attach to release on personal recognizance, other than the promise to appear in court at subsequent hearings, the court shall proceed to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that the accused committed the offense charged, unless this determination has previously been made by a court. Before making the determination, the court may consider affidavits filed or sworn testimony and further may examine under oath the affiant and any witnesses he or she may produce. Subject to constitutional limitations, the finding of probable cause may be based on evidence which is hearsay in whole or in part.

(f) Time Limits.

(1) Unless a written complaint is filed or the accused consents in writing or on the record in open court, an accused, following a preliminary appearance, shall not be detained in jail or subjected to conditions of release for more than 72 hours after the accused's detention in jail or release on conditions, whichever occurs first. Computation of the 72-hour period shall not include any part of Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

(2) If no complaint, information or indictment has been filed at the time of the preliminary appearance, and the accused has not otherwise consented, the court shall either: (i) order in writing that the accused be released from jail or exonerated from the conditions of release at a time certain which is within the period described in subsection (f)(1); or (ii) set a time at which the accused shall reappear before the court. The time set for reappearance must also be within the period described in subsection (f)(1). If no complaint, information or indictment has been filed by the time set for release or reappearance, the accused shall be immediately released from jail or deemed exonerated from all conditions of release.

(g) Preliminary Hearing on Felony Complaint.

(1) When a felony complaint is filed, the court may conduct a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the accused has committed a felony unless an information or indictment is filed in superior court prior to the time set for the preliminary hearing. If the court finds probable cause, the court shall bind the defendant over to the superior court. If the court binds the accused over, or if the parties waive the preliminary hearing, an information shall be filed without unnecessary delay. Jurisdiction vests in the superior court at the time the information is filed.

(2) If at the time a felony complaint is filed with the district court the accused is detained in jail or subjected to conditions of release, the time from the filing of the complaint in district court to the filing of an information in superior court shall not exceed 30 days plus any time which is the subject of a stipulation under subsection (g)(3). If at the time the complaint is filed with the district court the accused is not detained in jail or subjected to conditions of release, the time from the accused's first appearance in district court which next follows the filing of the complaint to the time of the filing of an information in superior court shall not exceed 30 days, excluding any time which is the subject of a stipulation under subsection (g)(3). If the applicable time period specified above elapses and no information has been filed in superior court, the case shall be dismissed without prejudice.

(3) Before or after the preliminary hearing or a waiver thereof, the court may delay a preliminary hearing or defer a bind-over date if the parties stipulate in writing that the case shall remain in the court of limited jurisdiction for a specified time, which may be in addition to the 30-day time limit established in subsection (g)(2).

(4) A preliminary hearing shall be conducted as follows: (i) the defendant may as a matter of right be present at such hearing; (ii) the court shall inform the defendant of the charge unless the defendant waives such reading; (iii) witnesses shall be examined under oath and may be cross-examined; (iv) the defendant may testify and call witnesses in the defendant's behalf.

(5) If a preliminary hearing on the felony complaint is held and the court finds that probable cause does not exist, the charge shall be dismissed, and may be refiled only if a motion to set aside the finding is granted by the superior court. The superior court shall determine whether, at the time of the hearing on such motion, there is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed a felony.

(6) If a preliminary hearing is held, the court shall file the record in superior court promptly after notice that the information has been filed. The record shall include, but not be limited to, all written pleadings, docket entries, the bond, and any exhibits filed in the court of limited jurisdiction. Upon written request of any party, the court shall file the recording of any testimony.

[Originally effective September 1, 1987; amended effective July 1, 1992; September 1, 1995; September 1, 2002; September 1, 2014.]

CrRLJ 3.3: TIME FOR TRIAL

(a) General Provisions.

(1) Responsibility of Court. It shall be the responsibility of the court to ensure a trial in accordance with this rule to each person charged with a crime.

(2) Precedence Over Civil Cases. Criminal trials shall take precedence over civil trials.

(3) Definitions. For purposes of this rule: (i) “Pending charge” means the charge for which the allowable time for trial is being computed. (ii) “Related charge” means a charge based on the same conduct as the pending charge that is ultimately filed in the trial court. (iii) “Appearance” means the defendant’s physical presence in the trial court. Such presence constitutes appearance only if (A) the prosecutor was notified of the presence and (B) the presence is contemporaneously placed on the record under the cause number of the pending charge. (iv) “Arraignment” means the date determined under CrRLJ 4.1(b). (v) “Detained in jail” means held in the custody of a correctional facility pursuant to the pending charge. Such detention excludes any period in which a defendant is on electric home monitoring, is being held in custody on an unrelated charge or hold, or is serving a sentence of confinement. (vi) “Trial court” means the court where the pending charge was filed.

(4) Construction. The allowable time for trial shall be computed in accordance with this rule. If a trial is timely under the language of this rule but was delayed by circumstances not addressed in this rule or CrRLJ 4.1, the pending charge shall not be dismissed unless the defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated.

(5) Related Charges. The computation of the allowable time for trial of a pending charge shall apply equally to related charges.

(6) Reporting of Untimely Trials. The court shall report to the Administrative Office of the Courts, on a form determined by that office, any case in which (i) the court dismissed a charge on a determination pursuant to section (h) that the charge had not been brought to trial within the time allowed by this rule, or (ii) the time limits would have been violated absent the cure period authorized by section (g).

(b) Time for Trial.

(1) Defendant Detained in Jail. A defendant who is detained in jail shall be brought to trial within the longer of (i) 60 days after the commencement date specified in this rule, or (ii) the time specified in subsection (b)(5).

(2) Defendant Not Detained in Jail. A defendant who is not detained in jail shall be brought to trial within the longer of (i) 90 days after the commencement date specified in this rule, or (ii) the time specified in subsection (b)(5).

(3) Release of Defendant. If a defendant is released from jail before the 60-day time limit has expired, the limit shall be extended to 90 days.

(4) Return to Custody following Release. If a defendant not detained in jail at the time the trial date was set is subsequently returned to custody on the same or related charge, the 90-day limit shall continue to apply. If the defendant is detained in jail when trial is reset following a new commencement date, the 60-day limit shall apply.

(5) Allowable Time after Excluded Period. If any period of time is excluded pursuant to section (e), the allowable time for trial shall not expire earlier than 30 days after the end of that excluded period.

(c) Commencement date.

(1) Initial Commencement Date. The initial commencement date shall be the date of arraignment as determined under CrRLJ 4.1.

(2) Resetting of commencement date. On occurrence of one of the following events, a new commencement date shall be established, and the elapsed time shall be reset to zero. If more than one of these events occurs, the commencement date shall be the latest of the dates specified in this subsection. (i) Waiver. The filing of a written waiver of the defendant’s rights under this rule signed by the defendant. The new commencement date shall be the date specified in the waiver, which shall not be earlier than the date on which the waiver was filed. If no date is specified, the commencement date shall be the date of the trial contemporaneously or subsequently set by the court. (ii) Failure to Appear. The failure of the defendant to appear for any proceeding at which the defendant’s presence was required. The new commencement date shall be the date of the defendant’s next appearance. (iii) New Trial. The entry of an order granting a mistrial or a new trial or allowing the defendant to withdraw a plea of guilty. The new commencement date shall be the date the order is entered. (iv) Appellate Review or Stay. The acceptance of review or grant of a stay by an appellate court, or the issuance of a writ of certiorari, mandamus, or prohibition. The new commencement date shall be the date of the defendant’s appearance that next follows the receipt by the clerk of the trial court of the mandate or written order terminating review or stay. (v) Collateral Proceeding. The entry of an order granting a new trial pursuant to a personal restraint proceeding, a habeas corpus proceeding, or a motion to vacate judgment. The new commencement date shall be the date of the defendant’s appearance that next follows either the expiration of the time to appeal such order or the receipt by the clerk of the trial court of notice of action terminating the collateral proceeding, whichever comes later. (vi) Change of venue. The entry of an order granting a change of venue. The new commencement date shall be the date of the order. (vii) Disqualification of Counsel. The disqualification of the defense attorney or prosecuting attorney. The new commencement date shall be the date of the disqualification. (viii) Deferred Prosecution. The filing of a motion for deferred prosecution. The new commencement date shall be the date that an order is entered denying the motion or revoking the deferred prosecution.

(d) Trial Settings and Notice---Objections---Loss of Right to Object.

(1) Initial Setting of Trial Date. The court shall, within 15 days of the defendant's actual arraignment in the trial court or at the pretrial hearing, set a date for trial which is within the time limits prescribed by this rule and notify counsel for each party of the date set. If a defendant is not represented by counsel, the notice shall be given to the defendant and may be mailed to the defendant's last known address. The notice shall set forth the proper date of the defendant's arraignment and the date set for trial.

(2) Resetting of Trial Date. When the court determines that the trial date should be reset for any reason, including but not limited to the applicability of a new commencement date pursuant to subsection (c)(2) or a period of exclusion pursuant to section (e), the court shall set a new date for trial which is within the time limits prescribed and notify each party of the date set.

(3) Objection to Trial Setting. A party who objects to the date set on the ground that it is not within the time limits prescribed by this rule must, within 10 days after the notice is mailed or otherwise given, move that the court set a trial date within those time limits. Such motion shall be promptly noted for hearing by the moving party in accordance with local procedures. A party who fails, for any reason, to make such a motion shall lose the right to object that a trial commenced on such a date, is not within the time limits prescribed by this rule.

(4) Loss of Right to Object. If a trial date is set outside the time allowed by this rule, but the defendant lost the right to object to that date pursuant to subsection (d)(3), that date shall be treated as the last allowable date for trial, subject to section (g). A later trial date shall be timely only if the commencement date is reset pursuant to subsection (c)(2) or there is a subsequent excluded period pursuant to section (e) and subsection (b)(5).

(e) Excluded Periods.

The following periods shall be excluded in computing the time for trial:

(1) Competency Proceedings. All proceedings relating to the competency of a defendant to stand trial on the pending charge, beginning on the date when the competency examination is ordered and terminating when the court enters a written order finding the defendant to be competent.

(2) Proceedings on Unrelated Charges. Arraignment, pre-trial proceedings, trial and sentencing on an unrelated charge.

(3) Continuances. Delay granted by the court pursuant to section (f).

(4) Period between Dismissal and Filing. The time between the dismissal of a charge and the refiling of the same or related charge.

(5) Disposition of Related Charge. The period between the commencement of trial or the entry of a plea of guilty on one charge and the defendant’s arraignment in the trial court on a related charge.

(6) Defendant Subject to Foreign or Federal Custody or Conditions. The time during which a defendant is detained in jail or prison outside the county in which the defendant is charged or in a federal jail or prison and the time during which a defendant is subjected to conditions of release not imposed by a court of the State of Washington.

(7) Juvenile Proceedings. All proceedings in juvenile court.

(8) Unavoidable or unforeseen Circumstances. Unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances affecting the time for trial beyond the control of the court or of the parties. This exclusion also applies to the cure period of section (g).

(9) Disqualification of Judge. A five-day period of time commencing with the disqualification of the judge to whom the case is assigned for trial.

(f) Continuances.

Continuances or other delays may be granted as follows:

(1) Written Agreement. Upon written agreement of the parties which must be signed by the defendant or all defendants, the court may continue the trial to a specified date.

(2) Motion by the Court or a Party. On motion of the court or a party, the court may continue the trial date to a specified date when such continuance is required in the administration of justice and the defendant will not be prejudiced in the presentation of his or her defense. The motion must be filed before time for trial has expired. The court must state on the record or in writing the reasons for the continuance. The bringing of such motion by or on behalf of any party waives that party’s objection to the requested delay. (g) Cure Period. The court may continue the case beyond the limits specified in section (b) on motion of the court or a party made within five days after the time for trial has expired. Such a continuance may be granted only once in the case upon a finding on the record or in writing that the defendant will not be substantially prejudiced in the presentation of his or her defense. The period of delay shall be for no more than 14 days for a defendant detained in jail, or 28 days for a defendant not detained in jail, from the date that the continuance is granted. The court may direct the parties to remain in attendance or be on- call for trial assignment during the cure period.

(h) Dismissal With Prejudice. A charge not brought to trial within the time limit determined under this rule shall be dismissed with prejudice. The State shall provide notice of dismissal to the victim and at the court’s discretion shall allow the victim to address the court regarding the impact of the crime. No case shall be dismissed for time-to-trial reasons except as expressly required by this rule, a statute, or federal constitution.

[Amended effective November 29, 1991; July 1, 1992; September 1, 1995; September 1, 2003; November 25, 2003.]

CrRLJ 3.4: PRESENCE OF THE DEFENDANT

(a) When Necessary.

The defendant shall be present at the arraignment, at every stage of the trial including the empaneling of the jury and the return of the verdict, and at the imposition of sentence, except as otherwise provided by these rules, or as excused or excluded by the court for good cause shown.

(b) Effect of Voluntary Absence.

The defendant's voluntary absence after the trial has commenced in his or her presence shall not prevent continuing the trial to and including the return of the verdict. A corporation may appear by its lawyer for all purposes. In prosecutions for offenses punishable by fine only, the court, with the written consent of the defendant, may permit arraignment, plea, trial and imposition of sentence in the defendant's absence.

(c) Defendant Not Present.

If in any case the defendant is not present when his or her personal attendance is necessary, the court may order the clerk to issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest, which may be served as a warrant of arrest in other cases.

(d) Video Conference Proceedings.

(1) Authorization. Preliminary appearances held pursuant to CrRLJ 3.2.1(d), arraignments held pursuant to this rule and CrRLJ 4.1, bail hearings held pursuant to CrRLJ 3.2, and trial settings held pursuant to CrRLJ 3.3(f), may be conducted by video conference in which all participants can simultaneously see, hear, and speak with each other. Such proceedings shall be deemed held in open court and in the defendant's presence for the purposes of any statute, court rule or policy. All video conference hearings conducted pursuant to this rule shall be public, and the public shall be able to simultaneously see and hear all participants and speak as permitted by the trial court judge. Any party may request an inperson hearing, which may in the trial court judge's discretion be granted.

(2) Agreement. Other trial court proceedings including the entry of a Statement of Defendant on Plea of Guilty as provided for by CrRLJ 4.2 may be conducted by video conference only by agreement of the parties, either in writing or on the record, and upon the approval of the trial court judge pursuant to local court rule.

(3) Standards for Video Conference Proceedings. The judge, counsel, all parties, and the public must be able to see and hear each other during proceedings, and speak as permitted by the judge. Video conference facilities must provide for confidential communications between attorney and client and security sufficient to protect the safety of all participants and observers. In interpreted proceedings, the interpreter must be located next to the defendant and the proceeding must be conducted to assure that the interpreter can hear all participants.

Supersedes RCW 10.01.080; RCW 10.46.120, .130; RCW 10.64.020, .030. Amended 12/02/99

CrRLJ 3.5 CONFESSION PROCEDURE

(a) Requirement for Hearing.

When an accused's statement which is subject to constitutional protection is to be offered in evidence the court shall hold, upon demand, a hearing for the purpose of determining whether the statement is admissible.

(b) Defendant's Rights at Hearing.

At the hearing, the court shall ascertain whether the defendant has been informed that: (1) He or she may, but need not, testify at the hearing on the circumstances surrounding the statement; (2) If the defendant does testify at the hearing, he or she will be subject to cross examination with respect to the circumstances surrounding the statement and with respect to his or her credibility; (3) If the defendant does testify at the hearing, he or she does not by so testifying waive the right to remain silent during the trial; and (4) If the defendant does testify at the hearing, neither this fact nor his or her testimony at the hearing shall be mentioned to the jury unless he or she testifies concerning the statement at trial.

(c) Duty of Court To Make a Record.

After the hearing, the court shall state its findings of fact and conclusions of law as to the admissibility or inadmissibility of the statement.

(d) Rights of Defendant When Statement Is Ruled Admissible.

If the court finds that the statement is admissible, and it is offered in evidence:

(1) The defense may offer evidence or cross-examine the witnesses with respect to the statement without waiving an objection to the admissibility of the statement;

(2) Unless the defendant testifies at the trial concerning the statement, no reference shall be made to the fact, if it be so, that the defendant testified at the preliminary hearing on the admissibility of the statement;

(3) If the defendant becomes a witness on this issue, he or she shall be subject to cross examination to the same extent as would any other witness; and

(4) If the defense raises the issue of voluntariness under subsection (d)(1), the jury shall be instructed that it may give such weight and credibility to the statement, in view of the surrounding circumstances, as it sees fit.

[Adopted effective September 1, 1987.]

CrRLJ 3.6: SUPPRESSION PROCEDURE

(a) Pleadings; Determination Regarding Hearing. Motions to suppress physical, oral or identification evidence other than motions pursuant to rule 3.5 shall be in writing supported by an affidavit or document as provided in RCW 9A.72.085 or any law amendatory thereto, setting forth the facts the moving party anticipates will be elicited at a hearing. If there are no disputed facts, the court shall determine whether an evidentiary hearing is required. If the court determines that no evidentiary hearing is required, the court shall set forth its reasons for not conducting an evidentiary hearing.

(b) Decision. The court shall state findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Adopted 108 Wn.2d 1149 effective September 1, 1987 Amended 130 Wn.2d 1102 effective January 2, 1997