Such court commissioner shall
have power, authority, and jurisdiction, concurrent with the
superior court and the judge thereof, in the following
particulars:
(1) To hear and determine all matters in probate, to make
and issue all proper orders therein, and to issue citations in
all cases where same are authorized by the probate statutes of
this state.
(2) To grant and enter defaults and enter judgment thereon.
(3) To issue temporary restraining orders and temporary
injunctions, and to fix and approve bonds thereon.
(4) To act as referee in all matters and actions referred to
him or her by the superior court as such, with all the powers now
conferred upon referees by law.
(5) To hear and determine all proceedings supplemental to
execution, with all the powers conferred upon the judge of the
superior court in such matters.
(6) To hear and determine all petitions for the adoption of
children and for the dissolution of incorporations.
(7) To hear and determine all applications for the
commitment of any person to the hospital for the insane, with all
the powers of the superior court in such matters: PROVIDED, That
in cases where a jury is demanded, same shall be referred to the
superior court for trial.
(8) To hear and determine all complaints for the commitments
of minors with all powers conferred upon the superior court in
such matters.
(9) To hear and determine ex parte and uncontested civil
matters of any nature.
(10) To grant adjournments, administer oaths, preserve
order, compel attendance of witnesses, and to punish for
contempts in the refusal to obey or the neglect of the court
commissioner's lawful orders made in any matter before the court
commissioner as fully as the judge of the superior court.
(11) To take acknowledgments and proofs of deeds, mortgages
and all other instruments requiring acknowledgment under the laws
of this state, and to take affidavits and depositions in all
cases.
(12) To provide an official seal, upon which shall be
engraved the words "Court Commissioner," and the name of the
county for which he or she may be appointed, and to authenticate
his official acts therewith in all cases where same is necessary.
(13) To charge and collect, for his or her own use, the same
fees for the official performance of official acts mentioned in
subsections (4) and (11) of this section as are provided by law
for referees and notaries public.
(14) To hear and determine small claims appeals as provided
in chapter 12.36 RCW.
(15) In adult criminal cases, to preside over arraignments,
preliminary appearances, initial extradition hearings, and
noncompliance proceedings pursuant to RCW 9.94A.6333 or 9.94B.040; accept pleas if authorized by local court rules;
appoint counsel; make determinations of probable cause; set,
amend, and review conditions of pretrial release; set bail; set
trial and hearing dates; authorize continuances; and accept
waivers of the right to speedy trial.
[2009 c 28 § 1; 2000 c 73 § 1; 1997 c 352 § 14; 1991 c 33 § 6; 1979 ex.s. c 54 § 2; 1963 c 188 § 1; 1909 c 124 § 2; RRS § 85. Prior: 1895 c 83 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 2009 c 28: "This act takes effect August 1, 2009." [2009 c 28 § 43.]
Effective date -- 1991 c 33: See note following RCW 3.66.020.
Powers of commissioner under juvenile court act: RCW 13.04.030.