Wash. Sup. Ct. Crim. R. 3.5

As amended through August 27, 2024

Rule CrR 3.5 - Confession Procedure

(a)Requirement for and Time of Hearing. When a statement of the accused is to be offered in evidence, the judge at the time of the omnibus hearing shall hold or set the time for a hearing, if not previously held, for the purpose of determining whether the statement is admissible. A court reporter or a court approved electronic recording device shall record the evidence adduced at this hearing.

(b)Duty of Court To Inform Defendant. It shall be the duty of the court to inform the defendant that:

(1) he may, but need not, testify at the hearing on the circumstances surrounding the statement;

(2) if he does testify at the hearing, he will be subject to cross examination with respect to the circumstances surrounding the statement and with respect to his credibility;

(3) if he does testify at the hearing, he does not by so testifying waive his right to remain silent during the trial; and

(4) if he does testify at the hearing, neither this fact nor his testimony at the hearing shall be mentioned to the jury unless he testifies concerning the statement at trial.

(c)Duty of Court To Make a Record. After the hearing, the court shall set forth in writing:

(1) the undisputed facts;

(2) the disputed facts;

(3) conclusions as to the disputed facts; and

(4) conclusion as to whether the statement is admissible and the reasons therefor.

(d)Rights of Defendant When Statement Is Ruled Admissible. If the court rules 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 confession;

(3) if the defendant becomes a witness on this issue, he 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 (1) above, the jury shall be instructed that they may give such weight and credibility to the confession in view of the surrounding circumstances, as they see fit.

Wash. Sup. Ct. Crim. R. CrR 3.5

Adopted effective 7/1/1973.