(a) Scope
These local rules supplement the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (Fed. R. Crim. P.) as to
local procedures; they are effective January 13, 2026. They are designated as “CrR”, numbered
to correspond, where possible, with rules having similar subject matter as the Fed. R. Crim. P.
The local magistrate judges’ rules (MJR) also contain many provisions relating to criminal
matters.
Petitions for Habeas Corpus Under Title 28 U.S.C. 2241 or 2254 and Motions Pursuant to Title
28 U.S.C. § 2255 are addressed in the Local Civil Rules at 100.
(b) Definitions
(1) “Chief Judge” of this district is the judge who has attained that position pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 136. The Chief Judge shall have precedence and preside at any session that he or
she attends. The current Chief Judge of this district is identified on the court’s website.
(2) “Clerk” or “Clerk of Court” refers to the District Court Executive/Clerk of Court or a
deputy Clerk of Court.
(3) “Court” refers to the United States District Court for the Western District of
Washington and to a Judge, Clerk, or deputy clerk acting on behalf of the Court.
(4) “General Orders” are made by the Chief Judge or by the court relating to court
administration and are available on the court’s website.
(5) “Judge” refers to a United States District Judge or United States Magistrate Judge.
Terms used herein (such as “magistrate judge”) shall have the same designated meanings as
set out in Fed. R. Crim. P. 1(b). Unless the context indicates otherwise “court” and “judge”
refer to the judge or magistrate judge before whom the matter or hearing is pending or has
been referred; or who may act in the absence of said judge or magistrate judge.
(6) “Meet and Confer” means a good faith conference in person or conducted virtually via
videoconference technology to attempt to resolve the matter in dispute without the court’s
involvement. If, however, it is impractical to meet in person or via videoconference, the
conference may be conducted via telephone. The court expects a high degree of
professionalism and collegiality among counsel during any meet and confer conference.
(7) “Noting Date” or “Note on Motion Calendar” means the date on which a motion is ripe
for the Court’s consideration. Counsel should not appear on the noting date unless so
directed by the court.
(8) “Stipulated Motion” is a stipulation (agreement) between or among the parties
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presented to the court with a proposed order.
(c) Reserved
(d) Prohibition of Bias
Litigation, inside and outside the courtroom in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington, must be free from prejudice and bias in any form. Fair and equal
treatment must be accorded all courtroom participants, whether judges, attorneys, witnesses,
litigants, jurors, or court personnel. The duty to be respectful of others includes the responsibility
to avoid comment or behavior that can reasonably be interpreted as manifesting prejudice or bias
toward another on the basis of categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age,
or sexual orientation.
* Electronic filing in the Western District of Washington became mandatory on June 1, 2004.
The electronic filing procedures for the district can be found at http://www.wawd.uscourts.gov.
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