Upon filing of a claim, the court shall set a time for hearing on the matter. The court shall issue a notice of the claim which shall be served upon the defendant to notify the defendant of the hearing date. A trial need not be held at the first hearing, if dispute resolution services are offered instead of trial, or local practice rules provide for a pretrial hearing.

NOTES:

Court Improvement Act of 1984Effective datesSeverabilityShort title1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Severability1981 c 330: See note following RCW 3.62.060.
Severability1980 c 162: See note following RCW 3.02.010.

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Terms Used In Washington Code 12.40.030

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.