Washington legal term
Criminal process in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Criminal process” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Criminal process” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Criminal process" means a search warrant or legal process issued pursuant to RCW 10.79.015 and CrR 2.3; any process issued pursuant to chapter 9.73, 9A.82, 10.27, or 10.29 RCW; and any other legal process signed by a judge of the superior court and issued in a criminal matter which allows the search for or commands production of records that are in the actual or constructive possession of the recipient, regardless of whether the recipient or the records are physically located within the state. (RCW 10.96.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.