WA · rules
Wash. Crim. R. Cts. Ltd. Juris. 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.
History
[Adopted effective September 1, 1987.]
Provenance
- Source
- www.courts.wa.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-16
- Edition
- 2026-09-16
- Content hash
2a7c0da18c9521d629c1dab6a0028b99d1396a8b64396978a54c48abe0ab4f3d
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