← All rules
Mason County District Court Local Rules
in reviewMason County District Court — Local Court Rules
sha256 aadc76587942dae30240dfca9f2bc44d… · retrieved 7/17/2026, 2:27:30 PM · courts.wa.gov local-rules publication — the court's own book; GR 7(d): the clerk maintains the official set, the web copy is the judiciary's convenience publication · awaiting human verification flip (text is verbatim; the flip is the review gate)
MASON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
LOCAL RULES
General Rules
MADGR 7 Filing and Effective Date
MADGR 7.1 Remote and In-person Rules and Orders
MADGR 14 (2) Audio/Visual Exhibits
MADGR 14 (3) Small Claims and Name Change format requirements
MADGR 17.1 E-mail and FAX communication
MADGR 44 Suspension or Modification of Local Rules
MADGR 45 Viewing of Court Files
Administrative Rules
MADARLJ 16 Courtroom Decorum
MADARLJ 17 Calendar Additions
Civil Rules
MADCRLJ 3.2 Small Claims Mediation
MADCRLJ 7(b) Motions
MADCRLJ 39 Non-Appearance of a Party or Parties on Trial Date
MADCRLJ 43 Taking of Testimony
MADCRLJ 86.04 Name Changes
Criminal Rules
MADCrRLJ 2.2 (h) Warrants expiration date (expired Warrants form)
MADCrRLJ 3.1 (e) Withdrawal of Attorney Appointed at public expense.
MADCrRLJ 3.1 (g) Appointment of an Attorney under RCW 36.26.090
MADCrRLJ 3.5 (e) Confession Procedures
MADCrRLJ 3.6 (c) Suppression hearing procedure
MADCrRLJ 4.5.1 Pre-trial Procedures
MADCrRLJ 4.7 (h) Secondary Dissemination of discovery
MADCrRLJ 4.11 Jury Trial Confirmation – Notification of Court
MADCrRLJ 4.13 Exhibits
MADCrRLJ 7.6 (f) Probation Procedures
MADCrRLJ 8.13 Diversion Compliance Hearings
Infraction Rules
MADIRLJ 2.4 Response to Notice of Infraction
MADIRLJ 2.6 Infraction Hearings
MADIRLJ 3.1 (e) Contested Hearings – Costs and witness fees.
MADIRLJ 3.2 (b) Motion for vacation of Default judgment for FTA
MADIRLJ 3.5 Decision on Written Statement
MADIRLJ 6.6 (f) Speed Measuring Device: Design and Construction
Certification.
-- 1 of 38 --
MADGR 7
LOCAL RULES – FILING AND EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions of the Local Rules are supplemental to the Rules for Courts of
Limited Jurisdiction, as adopted or hereafter amended by the Supreme Court of the
State of Washington. They shall not be construed in conflict with them and are
submitted pursuant to GR 7 with an intent to adopt as District Court Local Rules and
shall be referred to as MAD along with the corresponding rule abbreviation.
[Adopted effective September 1, 2021]
-- 2 of 38 --
MADGR 7.1
REMOTE AND IN-PERSON RULES AND ORDERS
1. All hearings except those enumerated below may be conducted via ZOOM or
any other remote conferencing system that the presiding judge authorizes.
a) Arraignments on criminal cases shall always be in person unless the
presiding judge orders otherwise.
b) Jury Trials will always be in person.
c) The judge presiding over a case shall have the discretion to require an in-
person appearance or allow a zoom appearance in any case. Examples
of where ZOOM may be the predominate means of appearing are:
i) Any case where the judge gives prior permission to appear by ZOOM.
2. The Court will maintain a link to each of its regular ZOOM meeting links, on the
Court’s website. Either computer or telephone access will be allowed but the
court will have the authority to direct participants with the ability to turn their
videos on.
3. Normal courtroom decorum rules will still apply, even though the appearance is
electronic. People will be appropriately dressed, there will be no smoking, and
the only food or beverages allowed will be water.
4. Those individuals who are scheduled for probation review matters, when allowed
to appear by ZOOM, will make provisions to transport themselves, in a time
frame directed by the court, to meet with probation, submit to UA’s, or to comply
with any other directive by the judge hearing the case.
5. The court reserves the right to require people to come down to the Mason
County Courthouse to retrieve a copy of their order.
[effective 9/1/2021, Amended 9/1/2023, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 3 of 38 --
MADGR 14 (2)
AUDIO/VISUAL EXHIBITS
Audio/Visual Exhibits. When testimony or evidence is to be given via video or motion
pictures, it is the responsibility of the party introducing the testimony or evidence to
provide the proper equipment for viewing such testimony or evidence, or to provide the
court the testimony or evidence in digital format.
Media displayed on cell phones or other electronic devices will not be accepted. It is
the responsibility of the parties to have their exhibits ready on the trial date. The court
will not print exhibits or make paper copies of exhibits for litigants unless otherwise
authorized by the trial judge.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, amended 9/1/19, amended 9/1/21]
-- 4 of 38 --
MADGR 14 (3)
SMALL CLAIMS AND NAME CHANGE FORMAT REQUIREMENTS
All Small Claims and Name Change pleadings must conform to the Mason County
District Court forms. Prescribed forms are available at the Mason County District Court
office located at – 414 W. Franklin St, Shelton, WA. 98584 or on the court’s website:
https://masoncountywa.gov/departments/district_court/index.php. Any pleadings not
meeting such requirements may be rejected for filing and returned, then resubmitted
after compliance with this rule.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015] [amended 9/1/2023, amended 9/1/2025)]
-- 5 of 38 --
MADGR 17.1
E-MAIL AND FAX COMMUNICATION
Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to provide guidelines for the use of e-mail in
communicating with Mason County District Court staff. This rule does not apply to the
other forms of communication, and does not establish a preference for e-mail
communication over any other form of communication.
Use of judge’s individual address prohibited for discussion of cases: The only
address to be used by attorneys, pro se self-represented litigants or others who need to
communicate with court staff about a case is the District Courts general e-mail address -
DistrictCourt@masoncountywa.gov , unless otherwise directed by the judge and/or
court clerk to e-mail to a specific e-mail address. Absent express invitation by the
judge, the judge’s individual e-mail address is not to be used.
Use of Email for administrative purposes: Email communication on matters of a
purely administrative nature, may be directed on the county email address of the
appropriate person. Anytime a party believes the appropriate person is a judge, the
sender of the email should proceed on the assumption that a courtesy copying of the
email should be sent to an opposing side.
Guidelines for use of e-mail: E-mail communication with the District Court, for issues
surrounding a case, is appropriate in the following typical situations:
To obtain a date for an in-court hearing;
To submit proposed orders, which require permission from the judge;
To determine the judge’s availability for a settlement conference;
To determine the availability of equipment needed for trial (such as a video player or
speaker phone);
To determine the judge’s preference as to number of copies of jury instructions required
for trial;
To advise the court of a settlement (to be immediately followed by formal written notice
pursuant to CR 41(e);
To determine whether the judge will accept pleadings, jury instructions, legal
memoranda, and other matters of a similar nature that would be appropriate to handle
by way of a phone call to court staff.
Ex parte communication prohibited: The prohibitions regarding ex parte contact with
the court are fully applicable to e-mail communication. If an attorney/party is
communicating substantive information to court staff, the e-mail must also be sent to
opposing counsel/party and so indicate on its face. Substantive information includes
information regarding the likelihood of settlement, the timing of witnesses, anticipated
problems with scheduling, concerns regarding security, other case-specific issues, and
inquiries as to what the court did in a particular hearing.
Service of working copies and pleadings: E-mails may be used to provide working
copies of legal pleadings, including jury instructions. Legal documents other than jury
-- 6 of 38 --
instructions that are presented by email shall be sent in PDF format. Working copies of
Jury instructions shall be sent by PDF AND in Microsoft Word format. After sending any
working copies and/or Jury Instructions, you must contact the court and advise the clerk
that they have been sent. Any such e-mails sent to the court shall be sent to the
attorneys representing the other parties.
Absent prior permission from the presiding judge, or pro-tem judge if the presiding
Judge was disqualified from hearing a particular case, submission of filing of documents
by email are not allowed.
Pleadings which may be filed by email or FAX: Notices of Appearance, Notices of
Withdrawal, and Waivers of Speedy Trial may also be filed by email or FAX. Any other
pleadings shall require the permission of the presiding judge, prior to the submission,
unless the filing is in a case where the presiding judge has been disqualified or has
recused, at which time the judge hearing the case’s permission shall be required.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, amended 9/1/19, amended 9/1/2021, Amended
09/01/2025]
-- 7 of 38 --
MADGR 44
SUSPENSION OR MODIFICATION OF LOCAL RULES
The court may suspend, adopt new rules, or modify any of the foregoing rules, in any
given case, upon good cause being shown upon motion of the parties or the court's own
motion.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2019, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 8 of 38 --
MADGR 45
VIEWING OF COURT FILES
All public Court files must be reviewed at the counter of the Court lobby, unless
otherwise authorized by the Judge.
No individual shall photograph a Court file through any mechanical or electronic means
without Court permission.
Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prohibit viewing files that are contained in a
database, if and when such a system is put in place.
[Adopted Effective 9/1/2019, Amended 9/1/2021, Amended 9/1/2023, Amended
9/1/2025]
-- 9 of 38 --
MADARLJ 16
COURTROOM DECORUM
1. All attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and other individuals in the courtroom shall
abide by the following rules of conduct:
(a) Always be prompt. Be in the courtroom ready to proceed at the appointed
time.
(b) Stand when the judge or the jury enters or leaves the courtroom.
(c) Do not make personal attacks on opposing counsel or parties.
(d) Do not interrupt. Wait your turn. Address all remarks to the Court.
Argument between litigants or their attorneys is not permitted.
(e) After the court has ruled, ask the court's permission before arguing further.
(f) Rise when addressing the Court and when making objections as this calls
the Court's attention to you.
(g) Do not approach a witness or the jury without asking permission of the
Court.
(h) Dress appropriately to the serious nature of the matters before the court.
Shorts and other kinds of beach apparel are not appropriate, shoulders must
be covered. Clothing with inappropriate images including nudity and
obscenities, advertising alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are not
appropriate. Hats are not to be worn in the Courtroom unless required by
religious custom and practice, or for medical purposes.
(i) Cell phone are prohibited in the courtroom – they must be turned off.
Attorneys and law enforcement are exempt from this subsection. No other
exceptions unless waiver is explicitly granted by the court.
2. Those people appearing electronically by zoom, phone, or otherwise will comply
with all courtroom decorum rules listed above except for b., f., and i.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2015, amended 9/1/2019, Amended 9/1/2021,
Amended 9/1/2023, Amended 9/1/2025]
-- 10 of 38 --
MADARLJ 17
CALENDAR ADDITIONS
1. Calendars will be deemed as set by noon the day before the calendar is
scheduled.
No additions will be made after that deadline except as follows:
a. Identification hearings and fresh arrests
b. Authorization by the appropriate judge, appropriate Judge meaning:
1. The Presiding Judge of the Mason County District Court or
2. Pro-tem Judge only when the presiding Judge has been disqualified by
recusal or affidavit of prejudice.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2019, amended September 1, 2021, amended 9/1/2023,
Amended 9/1/2025]
-- 11 of 38 --
MADCRLJ 3.2
SMALL CLAIMS MEDIATION
1) The Mason County District Court will require mediation for all small claims cases.
2) Parties filing a small claims case shall pay the filing fee and a surcharge.
3) All small claims cases shall be set for a pre-trial. No trial shall be set until after
mediation. All parties will be required to attend this pre-trial. The pre-trial shall be a
mediation between the parties. The mediation shall be conducted by a mediation
agency appointed by the presiding judge of the Mason County District Court, or
attorneys on a mediation panel, maintained by the court. Each party shall be
required to bring his, her, or its evidence to this pre-trial, unless the agency
providing mediation services does not wish to have the evidence. No witnesses or
attorneys or other legal representatives are allowed at the mediation.
4) The mediation shall be for up to one half hour, unless the mediator decides a
longer time is needed. The purpose of the mediation is to see if the parties can
reach a settlement. The mediator has no authority to impose a settlement. The
outcomes of the mediation shall be as follows:
a. If the parties reach a settlement, the settlement shall at the
mediation, be reduced to writing and all parties shall sign off on it.
The court will then, ex parte, reduce the settlement to a judgment,
unless the parties agree to carry out their obligations on the
settlement without a judgment. In such circumstances, the court
will not reduce the settlement to a judgment unless the agreement
is not complied with, within thirty days. Any settlement is binding,
once signed. If any party refuses to sign off on a settlement, there
will be no settlement. In circumstances where the parties appear
by ZOOM, the mediator will obtain electronic approval of the
settlement and provide some form of attestation that each party
approved. This electronic approval will be treated by the court as
the same as a signature on the settlement agreement.
b. If the parties fail to reach a settlement, they will be directed to the
District Court Clerk’s Office to be given a trial date. The clerk will
enquire about the number of witnesses that will be called, number
of exhibits, to help the court determine the length of the trial.
c. If the plaintiff(s) fail to appear at the pre-trial hearing, regardless of
whether the defendant appears, the mediator(s) shall notify the
court and the case shall be dismissed, with prejudice.
d. If any of the defendants fail to appear, the mediator(s) shall notify
the court and the court shall review the case to enter a default
judgement, ex parte, as long as the underlying claim establishes,
using a prima facie standard, a cause of action.
5) This requirement for mediation shall be waived, if formal mediation occurred prior
to the filing of the case.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2019, Amended 9/1/2023]
-- 12 of 38 --
MADCRLJ 7(b)
MOTIONS
5. A party who notes a motion, but decides to strike the motion, shall immediately
notify the court and the opposing party that the motion is stricken.
6. If a moving party does not appear within thirty (30) minutes of the time set for a
motion, and no request, for extension of time is received by telephone or
otherwise, the motion shall be stricken and the non-moving party (ies) may be
awarded costs, and if otherwise authorized, a reasonable attorney’s fee.
7. If a non-moving party does not appear within thirty (30) minutes of the time set
for a motion, and no request for extension of time is received by ZOOM,
telephone, or otherwise, the Court will decide the motion without the non-moving
party’s participation.
8. If a party is seeking a default judgment, summary judgment, or any other type of
judgment, that party shall include in the motion the basis for the judgment and
the amount of the judgment. If the sought after judgment is based upon multiple
charges, fees, etc. and there are more than three such charges, the moving party
shall prepare a worksheet with the charges and total them. Such a worksheet
shall be incorporated into the motion.
9. The Court may, in its discretion, assess terms against any party failing to comply
with this rule.
10. Any re-note of the motions will be at the court’s discretion.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2002, amended 9/1/2019, Amended effective 9/1/2021, Amended
09/01/2025]
-- 13 of 38 --
MADCRLJ 39
NON-APPEARANCE OF A PARTY OR PARTIES ON TRIAL DATE
(a) If the plaintiff does not appear within thirty (30) minutes of the time set for trial,
and no request for extension of time is received by telephone or otherwise,
defendant, upon motion, may be granted a judgment of dismissal without
prejudice, be awarded costs, and if otherwise authorized, a reasonable attorney’s
fee, and if a counterclaim, upon satisfactory proof, may be awarded judgment
thereon.
(b) If the defendant does not appear within thirty (30) minutes of the time set for trial,
and no request for extension of time is received by telephone or otherwise, the
plaintiff, upon motion, may be granted judgment as prayed for, upon satisfactory
proof to the court, including costs and if otherwise authorized a reasonable
attorney’s fee.
(c) In the event neither party appears at the time set for trial, or thirty (30) minutes
thereafter, the trial shall be stricken. Any re-note of a civil trial may be predicated
upon either of the parties paying terms to the court. Notification may initially be
oral and/or by telephone, but will not be deemed completed until it has been
followed up with a clear written statement by the person making such notification.
Such written statement shall be caused to be on file with the court by 4:30 p.m.
on the fifth day following the oral telephonic notification.
[Adopted Effective 9/1/19]
-- 14 of 38 --
MADCRLJ 43
TAKING OF TESTIMONY
(e) Evidence on Motions.
(1) Motions shall be heard on the pleadings, affidavits, published depositions and other
papers filed unless otherwise directed by the Court. Any counter-affidavit shall be
served upon the opposing party not later than (3) three days prior to the date of the
hearing, or movant shall have the option of a postponement of the hearing. Affidavits
strictly in reply to a counter-affidavit may be served and considered at the hearing.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015]
-- 15 of 38 --
MADCRLJ 86.04
NAME CHANGES
(a) Requirements. An applicant who applies to the court for a change of name,
pursuant to RCW 4.24.130, must meet the following requirement:
(1) Birth Certificate. A certified copy of any applicant and/or minor’s birth
certificate or suitable identification must be presented at the hearing
unless the court accepts an alternate source for that information for
verification and copying.
(2) Photo Identification. The applicant shall be prepared to show photo
identification at the time of the hearing unless the court accepts an
alternate source for that information.
(3) Minors: Parental Consent. All applicants under eighteen (18) years of
age must have parental representation in accordance with State law.
(4) Separate Applications. Each applicant requesting a change of name must
present a separate Change of Name Order and pay a separate filing fee
and recording fee.
[Adopted/amended – effective 9/1/19, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 16 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 2.2(h)
WARRANTS EXPIRATION DATE
All warrants for arrest issued by the Mason County District Court for misdemeanor and
gross misdemeanor offenses shall carry on their face a seven (7) year expiration date.
The court will automatically reissue the warrant one time only for a total of fourteen (14)
years on violent offenses and serious traffic offenses.
Violent offenses include Assault, Violation of No Contact or Protection Order, Malicious
Mischief, Unlawful Imprisonment, Reckless Endangerment or as designated by the
court.
Serious traffic offenses include Driving Under the Influence, Physical Control, Reckless
Driving, Hit and Run, or as designated by the court.
If the warrant is not served during this time, the prosecutor may file a motion to reissue
for the judge’s consideration prior to the expiration date. If the case is pre-disposition,
the motion must state that the prosecutor has a good faith belief they will be able to
proceed to trial.
If the warrant expires, the case file shall be closed if no fines, fees, costs and/or
restitution is owing. All fines, fees, costs, and/or restitution previously imposed remain
owing unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the warrant expires prior to disposition,
the case shall be dismissed.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, amended 9/1/19, amended 9/1/2025]
-- 17 of 38 --
MASON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
414 W. Frankling St. - P.O. Box “0’ - Shelton, WA 98584
360-427-9670 ext. 339 (Tel) - 360-427-7776 (Fax)
districtcourt@masoncountywa.gov
EXPIRED WARRANTS
Date: DOL:
Case #: JIS:
Name:
Charge(s):
Prosecutor’s Recommendation
Reissue Bench Warrant in the amount of $
Do not reissue Bench Warrant, close file except for collection of fines
Witness is no longer available
Investigative Officer is not available
No Disposition - Dismiss Case
Other:
Date Prosecuting Attorney
Court’s Decision
Re-issue Bench Warrant – Bail: Amount Requested
New Amount
Do not reissue Bench Warrant, close file except for collection of fines
No Disposition - Dismiss Case
Other:
Date Judge
-- 18 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 3.1 (e)
WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY
APPOINTED ATTORNEYS
(1) Unless a Notice of Appeal has been filed, an attorney appointed at public
expense shall be deemed automatically withdrawn from representation thirty
(30) days following a final decision of the court as defined in RALJ, without
further notice to the court.
(2) An attorney appointed at public expense shall be deemed automatically
withdrawn from representation thirty (30) days upon the issuance of a warrant
without further notice to the court.
(3) In the event, an attorney representing a client seeks withdrawal for reasons
other than the defendant wishing to dispense with public defense legal
representation, that attorney shall first seek to substitute another public
defender, before making a request in court to withdraw. Only in the event
where the attorney is unsuccessful in procuring a substitution of counsel or
the court denies the substitution, may the matter be brought up in court.
Unless the order allowing withdrawal specifically states that public defense is
withdrawn, the official responsible for assigning public defenders shall appoint
another attorney.
(4) Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prevent an attorney seeking leave to
withdraw, without attempting to arrange a substitution of counsel, in
circumstances where an attorney discovers during a court proceeding that
they are no longer ethically able to represent the client. Under such
circumstances, the withdrawal shall be permitted, and the re-setting of speedy
trial provisions of CrRLJ 3.3(c) (2) (vii) shall be applied for cases that are pre-
trial.
ALL OTHER ATTORNEYS OF RECORD
1.Attorney of record means any attorney who files a Notice of Appearance in a
case or is appointed by RCW 36.26.090.
2.Once an attorney of record files a Notice of Appearance, she or he remains as
the attorney of record until a Notice of Withdrawal is filed, as long as CrRLJ
3.1(e) is complied with.
3.In the event that the attorney of record is unwilling or unable to appear in a
case, file a Notice of Withdrawal, or file a Substitution of Counsel, the judge
hearing a particular case shall have the authority to remove that attorney as the
attorney of record.
4.Removing an attorney as attorney of record is an exercise of judicial discretion
that should be rarely used. It should only be used when it appears that the
attorney is not participating in the case or whose performance in discharging his
-- 19 of 38 --
or her duties is substantially impaired. Factors to be taken into consideration
include whether the case is pending trial or post-trial, the number of times the
attorney has failed to appear for the client, and any other issues raising issues of
the attorney’s fitness to appear in court which impair a client’s right to effective
assistance of counsel.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2015, amended effective 9/1/2021, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 20 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 3.1 (g)
APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY UNDER RCW 36.26.090
1. In the event the County is unable to provide an indigent defendant
representation of an attorney, when the defendant is constitutionally afforded
the right to such an attorney, this court may use the authority granted under
RCW 36.26.090 to appoint an attorney to provide representation for that
defendant.
2. The Court will enter an order appointing the attorney and send a copy to the
Public Defender’s Office.
3. At the conclusion of the representation, the court shall enter an order
determining the compensation, again, following the requirements of RCW
36.26.090 and the case law addressing that statute. A copy of that order
shall be sent to the Public Defender’s Office.
4. The monies for that compensation shall not come out of the Court’s budget;
rather, it will come out of the executive branch of Mason County.
5. In the event the County does not pay the fees, the Court will enter a judgment
against the County for the fees.
6. This Court shall take the position that RCW 36.26.090 can be harmonized
with GR 42.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2023, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 21 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 3.5(e)
CONFESSION PROCEEDURE
Unless the Court specifically grants permission, no CrRLJ 3.5 hearing shall be
conducted on the day of trial. Generally, the court will not grant such permission if the
need for such a hearing is not stated in the Consolidated Pre-Trial Order and good
cause is not shown as to why the motion could not have been conducted prior to the
evidentiary portion of the trial.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2023, Amended 9/1/2025]
-- 22 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 3.6(c)
SUPPRESSION HEARING PROCEDURE
The parties shall comply CrRLJ 3.6.
The motion shall be filed with the court and served on opposing counsel or pro-se party.
Supporting documents will also be filed and served. The motion will be reviewed by the
court to determine whether an evidentiary hearing is necessary. If such a hearing is
necessary, it will be set no earlier than twenty-one (21) days from that determination. A
copy of the response and supporting documents may be served on the motioning party
at least (7) seven court days prior to the date set for hearing and a strict reply response
may be filed with the court no less than (3) three days.
As a matter of professional courtesy, the parties shall file bench copies of all motions,
affidavits, and memoranda at the time of filing of the original documents. If and when
an e-filing system is implemented, the need for bench copies will no longer be required.
Any party needing to alter these timelines must file a motion to shorten time and get the
court’s permission.
Unless the Court specifically grants permission, no CrRLJ 3.6 hearing shall be
conducted on the day of trial. Generally, the court will not grant such permission if the
need for such a hearing is not stated in the Consolidated Pre-Trial Order and good
cause is not shown as to why the motion could not have been conducted prior to the
evidentiary portion of the trial.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015. Amended 9/1/2019. Amended effective 9/1/2021.
Amended 9/1/2023]
-- 23 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 4.5.1
PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
(a) Duty of Parties.
It is the duty of the parties and their counsel to move the cases forward as expeditiously
and fairly as possible.
(b) Pre-trial Hearings
The Court shall set all out of custody cases where a plea of not guilty has been entered
for a pretrial hearing within 45 days after the date of first appearance. All in-custody
cases will be set within approximately 14 days after arraignment. The court has the
authority to set a different schedule. Said hearing shall provide an opportunity for plea
negotiations, resolution of discovery issues and trial setting. All defendants must be
present either in person or through counsel per CrRLJ 3.4, unless previously excused
by the court. Failure to appear for the pretrial hearing may result in the issuance of a
warrant of arrest and/or forfeiture of any bail or bond. If a defendant’s presence is
required to move the case forward, such as addressing failure to comply with release
conditions, or when a waiver of rights is being discussed, the court may mandate that
the defendant shall appear in person, regardless of whether an attorney is present or
not.
(c) 3.5 Notice of 3.5 and 3.6 Motions
See LCrRLJ 3.6 for suppression motions other than for 3.5 hearings. A 3.5 motion shall
be set upon demand. If there is any briefing for the 3.5 hearing, the court shall set a
briefing schedule.
(d) Imposition of Jury Costs
In order to efficiently schedule the calling of jurors, to avoid unnecessary disruptions of
the jurors’ lives, and to further avoid the waste of public funds, the court will require
notification that a jury trial will not commence, no later than 10:00 a.m. the last court day
before jury selection is scheduled to begin. The court reserves the right to impose terms
against the party responsible for jury costs, if the court finds that a party or parties,
acted negligently or in bad faith. In the event the court decides terms are appropriate,
they will be issued to the individual, not the office employing the attorney.
(e) Trial Confirmation Hearing. See LCrRLJ 4.11
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015/amended 9/1/17, amended 9/1/19/ amended 9/1/2021,
Amended 9/1/2023, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 24 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 4.7 (h)
SECONDARY DISSEMINATION OF DISCOVERY
1) Scope. This rule only pertains to discovery being provided to alcohol and drug
treatment agencies, Domestic Violence and Anger Management agencies, and mental
health agencies, when the defendant is represented by counsel. It does not pertain to
defendants who are pro-se or for secondary disclosures of discovery to other
organizations.
2) With the exception of court ordered competency evaluations pursuant to RCW
10.77, it is the obligation of the defense attorney of record or designee to provide any
needed discovery to any alcohol and drug treatment agencies, Domestic Violence and
Anger Management agencies, and or mental health agencies when the information is
needed to complete any court ordered evaluations or for purposes of the defendant and
his or her attorney to prepare the case. While un-redacted copies may be given to such
agencies, no further dissemination of the copies will be allowed without further court
order and no defendant shall sign any release for further disclosure without the
agreement, in writing, with the prosecuting authority or by a court order of this court in
the case for which the discovery was provided.
3) In cases where there has been no attorney of record, the defendant shall make his
or her own arrangements with the prosecuting authority. Where there is an attorney of
record at the time of disposition, the obligations under part 2 of this rule will be carried
out, regardless of whether a Notice of Withdrawal has been filed.
4) Nothing in this rule shall be construed as to shift the responsibility of choosing and
arranging for an evaluation from the defendant to her or his attorney.
5) Nothing in this rule shall be construed as to eliminate the prosecuting authority’s
rights under CrRLJ 4.7(g)(3) to require either an agreement on redactions or a court
order, if no such agreement can be reached.
6) Nothing in this rule shall be deemed to prevent the Prosecuting Authority from
supplying the discovery should it choose.
[Adopted effective September 1, 2019]
-- 25 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 4.11
JURY TRIAL CONFIRMATION - Notification of Court
a) The court will, in all criminal cases, set a pre-trial. The presence of the defendant
is required for that pre-trial unless her or his attorney of record secures a waiver
pursuant to CrRLJ 3.4. The court shall accept that waiver, unless there is a
particular need for the defendant’s presence, such as presenting some type of
waiver or there is an issue of violation of the pre-trial release order. Trials require
both the defendant and the defense counsel, if there is one, be present. All court
dates designated as “trial” requires the actual physical presence of the defendant
regardless of whether the defendant is represented by an attorney or not. The
Court designates trial week, as the second full week in any given month, with the
understanding that the court will endeavor to schedule jury selection,
presentation of evidence, and deliberations in that week. The start of the jury
trial shall be deemed to be the the jury trial calendar called on the last Friday of
the month, although the court can adjust the scheduling.
b) The prosecutor, defense counsel and the defendant shall attend the jury trial
calendar. If the defendant fails to appear for the jury trial calendar, the court will
be authorized to issue a bench warrant. If the prosecutor or defense counsel fails
to appear at the pre-trial hearing, the court may impose terms and any other
sanctions authorized by law, and the court may continue or strike any scheduled
hearing or trial date.
c) At the Jury Trial Calendar, all parties are expected to verify readiness to proceed
to trial, or to propose an alternate disposition. The court shall also, in cases
where the jury selection portion and evidentiary portion of the trial is being
confirmed, schedule the date will be the actual start date for the jury selection
and taking of evidence. The court shall schedule cases during trial week, with
the normal start dates being Mondays and Wednesdays, although the court
retains the authority to depart from these days. The court will schedule up to
three trials to start on those days, before scheduling outside of trial week. The
scheduled cases, which do not go to trial during trial week, will commence in a
trailing week, to be determined by the court, absent some other request such as
a continuance which is granted.
d) The parties, no later than the jury trial calendar, shall submit the Consolidated
Pre-trial Order, unless there is a settlement to which there is a complete
agreement to all terms. Additionally, the parties shall disclose the following:
1. The defense will disclose any defenses other than general denial to the
prosecuting authority
2. Each party shall disclose all witnesses including phone, address and email
to the other side that they intend to call unless those witnesses are
contained in the police reports. They will also shall submit a synopsis of
the expected testimony of each witness.
e) For cases that actually confirm onto trial, each party shall submit jury instructions,
one cited and one uncited, to the court, and one cited to opposing counsel no
later than the last Friday before the trial week on which the case is scheduled.
Each party shall file and serve its motions in limine by the Thursday before the
-- 26 of 38 --
week the jury selection and presentation of evidence in the trial is scheduled to
begin. The defense obligation is limited to those instructions which the state’s
proposed instructions do not have. Parties will also either provide copies of
exhibits or make the exhibits available for inspection to the opposing sides, no
later than the last Thursday before the week on which the case is scheduled.
Unless inspected by the opposing side, any Power Point or similar slide show
materials will require an in-camera review by the court. If the party with such
presentation does not allow such review by opposing parties or an in-camera
review by the court, the materials will not be allowed to be shown at trial.
f) For cases scheduled to begin jury selection on Monday or Tuesday of trial week,
the requirements of paragraph e) of this rule must be completed no later than two
court days prior to the scheduled beginning of jury selection.
g) Violation of these requirements may result in continuance of the trial and
sanctions for the party violating the rules.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, Amended 9/1/19, Amended 9/1/2021, Amended 9/1/2023
Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 27 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 4.13
EXHIBITS
Exhibits will be brought to the courtroom, prior to the commencement of the trial,
regardless whether it is jury or bench trial. The purpose shall be to have the exhibits
marked and inspected and, if not already done, show the exhibits to the other side.
Failure to bring those exhibits to courtroom, as required by these rules, may result in the
exhibits not being admitted in trial, continuance with sanctions, or any other relief
deemed appropriate by the court.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2023, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 28 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 7.6
PROBATION PROCEDURES
1. When a probation violation is discovered, a violation report will be prepared and filed
by probation. Any discretion used by probation officers will not change. Nothing in this
is to be construed as restricting the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filing motions to revoke.
If a notice of violation or motion to revoke is filed, the matter shall be set for a hearing.
The court will presume that any probation violations filed by a motion to revoke, filed by
the prosecuting authority, are going to be pursued by the prosecuting authority. In cases
where the notice of violation is filed by probation, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office should
notify the court, no later than the first review hearing, occurring after the initial hearing if
it intends to take part in the probation review. If notice is not provided, the court will
proceed with the understanding that the prosecuting authority is not going to involve itself
in the motion.
2. In the event that the nature of the alleged probation violation revolves around failure
to show proof of a required condition, the hearing will be set out for sixty days. The notice
of hearing shall contain language that the hearing will b e stricken if the defendant brings
himself or herself into compliance. This procedure will not be followed more than once,
absent approval by the judge. Probation may request the judge to order that this
procedure not be followed in a particular case.
3. Copies of the notice of violation, along with supporting documentation, shall be
forwarded to both the Prosecutor’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office. In cases
where the Prosecutor’s Office is filing a motion to revoke, it will transfer a copy of the
motion and supporting documents to the public defender’s office and subsequently to any
attorney of record who enters an appearance on behalf of the defendant.
4. On review calendars, the court will call cases where the DPA wants to be heard first,
followed by cases represented by private attorneys.
5. The court will, at the initial hearing, advise the defendant of the accusation(s), her or
his rights in a probation hearing, and ask how he or she wishes to proceed. If the
defendant enters a denial, asks for a public defender, or indicates a desire to hire an
attorney, a further review will be set. If the defendant waives an attorney, the court may
proceed to a hearing on the alleged violation, if denied, or sanction if admitted.
6. In the event a fact-finding hearing is necessary in cases where the prosecuting
authority has chosen not to participate in pursuing the probation violation, the court will
issue subpoenas for the witnesses disclosed in the violation report. or If the allegation
involves a new law violation and there is already a conviction, probation will attempt to
obtain a certified copy of the judgment and sentence. The witnesses will be those named
in the violation report and probable cause statements that accompany the report.
Probation will not investigate further, including interviewing witnesses, or in any other way
acting as an attorney in the case. In cases where the prosecuting authority is choosing
to be involved, the court will proceed on the understanding that the prosecuting authority
is preparing for the fact-finding hearing.
-- 29 of 38 --
7. In cases where the prosecutor chooses not to be involved, and the case reaches the
state of a fact-finding hearing, the following procedures will be used:
a. In the presentation of evidence supporting the accusation, the witnesses will testify
in narrative fashion. Other than asking a clarifying question to allow the court to
understand the answer, the court will not be questioning witnesses, ER 614
notwithstanding.
b. They can be cross-examined by the defense attorney or by the defendant if he or
she is pro-se, and the witnesses will be allowed to testify further in response to those
questions.
c. The defendant may present his or her own evidence; however, neither the court
nor probation will be allowed to cross-examine any witness.
d. The witnesses who testified initially, in support of the accusation, will be allowed
to testify further in rebuttal and may be further cross examined by the defense.
8. In cases where the prosecuting authority files a motion to revoke probation or the
prosecuting authority tells the court that it intends to involve itself in the hearing, the
Prosecutor’s Office will conduct the witness examination.
[Adopted 09/01/2025]
-- 30 of 38 --
MADCrRLJ 8.13
DIVERSION COMPLIANCE HEARINGS
In cases on diversion, the prosecuting authority shall submit proof of completion
of the contract with the court, prior to the hearing. This rule only applies to those
situations where a case has been filed with the court and does not apply to any
arrangements the prosecuting authority chooses to make with a defendant that does not
include the filing of charges.
The court will take no action to revoke a diversion, unless the prosecuting
authority moves the court to do so. If the prosecuting authority does make such a
motion, the court will treat it as a regular motion to revoke probation, except that the
court will only proceed if the prosecuting authority is involved.
If no motion to revoke a diversion is made, before the expiration of the speedy
trial period that applies to that particular diversion, the court will enter an order
dismissing the diversion on its own motion.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2023, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 31 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 2.4
RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF INFRACTION
(a) Generally. A person who has been served with a notice of infraction must respond to
the notice within 30 days of the date the notice is personally served or, if the notice is
served by mail, within 33 days of the date the notice is mailed.
(b) Alternatives. A person may respond to a notice of infraction by:
1. Paying the amount of the monetary penalty in accordance with applicable
law, in which case the court shall enter a judgment that the defendant has
committed the infraction;
2. Contesting the determination that an infraction occurred by requesting a
hearing in accordance with applicable law;
3. Requesting a hearing to explain mitigating circumstances surrounding the
commission of the infraction in accordance with applicable law.
4. Submitting a request for a payment plan for the fine: or
5. Submitting a written statement either contesting the infraction or
explaining mitigating circumstances. The statement shall contain the
person's promise to pay the monetary penalty authorized by law if the
infraction is found to be committed.
For contested hearing, the statement shall be executed in substantially the following
form:
I hereby state as follows:
I promise that if it is determined that I committed the infraction for which
I was cited, I will pay the monetary penalty authorized by law and assessed by the
court. I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of
Washington that the foregoing is true and correct.
________________________________ ________________________________
(Date and Place) (Signature)
I understand that if this form is submitted by e-mail, my typed name on the signature
line will qualify as my signature for purposes of the above certification.
For mitigation hearings, the statement shall be executed in substantially the following
form:
I hereby state as follows:
I promise to pay the monetary penalty authorized by law or, at the discretion of the
court, any reduced penalty that may be set.
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington
that the foregoing is true and correct.
________________________________ ________________________________
(Date and Place) (Signature)
-- 32 of 38 --
I understand that if this form is submitted by e-mail, my typed name on the signature
line will qualify as my signature for purposes of the above certification.
(c) Method of Response. A person may respond to a notice of infraction either
personally, by mail or by e-mail DistrictCourt@masoncountywa.gov. If the response is
mailed or e-mailed it must be postmarked or e-mailed not later than midnight of the day
the response is due.
{see form LIRLJ 2.4, LIRLJ 3.5}
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, Amended 9/1/2023]
-- 33 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 2.6
INFRACTION HEARINGS
(h) Decisions on Written Statements. Mitigation hearings shall generally be held in open
court. The procedure set forth in IRLJ 3.5, allowing decisions on written statements is
authorized.
[Adopted effective 9-1-2015]
-- 34 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 3.1 (e)
CONTESTED HEARINGS - COSTS AND WITNESS FEES
Costs and Witness Fees. Each party is responsible for costs incurred by that party as
set forth in RCW 46.63.151. In cases where a party requests a witness to be
subpoenaed, the party requesting the witness shall pay the witness fees and mileage
expenses due that witness.
The court will not undertake to subpoena any witness(s) for any hearing, unless a
request to issue such subpoenas are made to the District Court Clerk’s office at least
fourteen days before the hearing.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, amended 9/1/2021]
-- 35 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 3.2(b)
MOTION FOR VACATION OF DEFAULT JUDGMENT FOR FTA
A defendant, against whom a judgment for a traffic infraction has been entered by
default for failure to appear, may file a motion in writing, requesting that said default
judgment be set aside. The motion will then be set for hearing, if the judge reviewing
the motion determines that it has some arguable merit. Defendant must be present
unless the judge authorizes otherwise. The motion will be evaluated in conformity with
CRLJ 60(b). If the Court grants said motion, the matter will be set for a hearing of the
kind requested by the defendant (Refer to LIRLJ 2.6). Mitigation hearings may be heard
at the time of the motion if the calendar allows.
A defendant requesting the court to vacate a Default Judgment for FTA shall do so by
filing a motion in substantially the following form:
{see form LIRJ 3.2 (b)
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015, Amended 9/1/19, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 36 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 3.5
DECISION ON WRITTEN STATEMENTS
Mitigation and contested hearings on alleged traffic infractions may be held upon written
statements and email statements pursuant to IRLJ 2.4 (4) IRLJ 2.6 (c) and IRLJ 3.5.
(a) Contested Hearings. The court shall examine the citing officer's report and any
statement submitted by the defendant. The examination shall take place within 120
days after the defendant filed the response to the notice of infraction. The examination
may be held in chambers and shall not be governed by the Rules of Evidence.
(1) Factual Determination. The court shall determine whether the plaintiff has
proved by a preponderance of all evidence submitted that the defendant has
committed the infraction.
(2) Disposition. If the court determines that the infraction has been committed, it
may assess a penalty in accordance with rule 3.3.
(3) Notice to Parties. The court shall notify the parties in writing whether an
Infraction was found to have been committed and what penalty, if any, was
imposed.
(4) No appeal Permitted. There shall be no appeal from a decision on written
statements.
(b) Mitigation Hearings. Mitigation hearings based upon written statements may be held
in chambers.
(c) The procedure set forth in IRLJ 3.5, allowing decisions on written statements or
E-mail sent to MasonDistrict@co.mason.wa.us is authorized.
A defendant requesting the court to decide the case on written statements shall do so
by completing a statement in substantially the following form:
{See form LIRLJ 2.4, LIRLJ 3.5 Form}
[Adopted effective 9/1/2015]
-- 37 of 38 --
MADIRLJ 6.6(f)
SPEED MEASURING DEVICE: DESIGN AND CONTRUCTION CERTIFICATION
The Court may keep either or both electronic and hard copies of any certificates
for speed measuring devices, as provided for in IRLJ 6.6. Keeping copies include the
court utilizing a website of the agency that has the records. This does not preclude any
challenges to whether a particular record conforms to IRLJ 6.6. In the event the
prosecuting authority chooses not to participate in an infraction hearing, the court may
print or copy such certificate and use it during the hearing. Such activity does not
constitute the court preparing or prosecuting the case.
In the event the court finds the record insufficient, the court may continue the
hearing and notify the prosecuting authority of the continuance and the reasons. The
court will not take any efforts to further prepare the case.
[Adopted effective 9/1/2024, Amended 09/01/2025]
-- 38 of 38 --Verbatim from the official publication; the only normalization is removal of the publisher's page headers. Verify against the official source for filing-critical use — court publications change without notice.