W.D. Wash. CrR 1

(a) Scope

These local rules supplement the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (Fed. R. Crim. P.) as to

local procedures; they are effective January 13, 2026. They are designated as “CrR”, numbered

to correspond, where possible, with rules having similar subject matter as the Fed. R. Crim. P.

The local magistrate judges’ rules (MJR) also contain many provisions relating to criminal

matters.

Petitions for Habeas Corpus Under Title 28 U.S.C. 2241 or 2254 and Motions Pursuant to Title

28 U.S.C. § 2255 are addressed in the Local Civil Rules at 100.

(b) Definitions

(1) “Chief Judge” of this district is the judge who has attained that position pursuant to 28

U.S.C. § 136. The Chief Judge shall have precedence and preside at any session that he or

she attends. The current Chief Judge of this district is identified on the court’s website.

(2) “Clerk” or “Clerk of Court” refers to the District Court Executive/Clerk of Court or a

deputy Clerk of Court.

(3) “Court” refers to the United States District Court for the Western District of

Washington and to a Judge, Clerk, or deputy clerk acting on behalf of the Court.

(4) “General Orders” are made by the Chief Judge or by the court relating to court

administration and are available on the court’s website.

(5) “Judge” refers to a United States District Judge or United States Magistrate Judge.

Terms used herein (such as “magistrate judge”) shall have the same designated meanings as

set out in Fed. R. Crim. P. 1(b). Unless the context indicates otherwise “court” and “judge”

refer to the judge or magistrate judge before whom the matter or hearing is pending or has

been referred; or who may act in the absence of said judge or magistrate judge.

(6) “Meet and Confer” means a good faith conference in person or conducted virtually via

videoconference technology to attempt to resolve the matter in dispute without the court’s

involvement. If, however, it is impractical to meet in person or via videoconference, the

conference may be conducted via telephone. The court expects a high degree of

professionalism and collegiality among counsel during any meet and confer conference.

(7) “Noting Date” or “Note on Motion Calendar” means the date on which a motion is ripe

for the Court’s consideration. Counsel should not appear on the noting date unless so

directed by the court.

(8) “Stipulated Motion” is a stipulation (agreement) between or among the parties

presented to the court with a proposed order.

(c) Reserved

(d) Prohibition of Bias

Litigation, inside and outside the courtroom in the United States District Court for the Western

District of Washington, must be free from prejudice and bias in any form. Fair and equal

treatment must be accorded all courtroom participants, whether judges, attorneys, witnesses,

litigants, jurors, or court personnel. The duty to be respectful of others includes the responsibility

to avoid comment or behavior that can reasonably be interpreted as manifesting prejudice or bias

toward another on the basis of categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age,

or sexual orientation.

* Electronic filing in the Western District of Washington became mandatory on June 1, 2004.

The electronic filing procedures for the district can be found at http://www.wawd.uscourts.gov.