WA · rules
Wash. Crim. R. Cts. Ltd. Juris. 4.6
Depositions
(a) When Taken. Upon a showing that a prospective witness may be unable to appear or
prevented from appearing at a trial or hearing or if a witness refuses to discuss the case with
either lawyer and that the witness’s testimony is material and that it is necessary to take the
witness’s deposition in order to prevent a failure of justice, the court at any time after the filing
of a complaint or citation and notice may upon motion of a party and notice to the parties order
that the witness’s testimony be taken by deposition and that any designated books, papers,
documents, or tangible objects, not privileged, be produced at the same time and place.
(b) Notice of Taking. The party at whose instance a deposition is to be taken shall give to
every other party reasonable written notice of the time and manner of appearance for taking the
deposition. The notice shall state the name and address of each person to be examined. On
motion of a party upon whom the notice is served, the court for cause shown may extend or
shorten the time and may change the manner of taking.
(c) How Taken. A deposition shall be taken in the manner provided in the Civil Rules for
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. No deposition shall be used in evidence against any defendant
who has not had notice of and an opportunity to participate in or appear at the taking thereof.
(d) Use. Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of contradicting or
impeaching the testimony of the deponent as witness, or as substantive evidence under
circumstances permitted by the Rules of Evidence.
(e) Objections to Admissibility. Objections to receiving in evidence a deposition or part
thereof may be made as provided in civil actions.
History
[Adopted effective September 1, 1987; Amended effective July 9, 2024.]
Provenance
- Source
- www.courts.wa.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-16
- Edition
- 2026-09-16
- Content hash
44d0349e29e1ba041a0baa329af8c77c4bb3f0ea23d2eef2b77cfe1f692f54f9
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