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Wash. Crim. R. Cts. Ltd. Juris. 3.5

Confession Procedure

activein force · 1987-09-01 – presentact-effective-date

(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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