Per Local Criminal Rule 4.11 - No request by a party for a special setting in a criminal matter will be considered unless:

  1. the parties have jointly emailed to: specialsets@co.benton.wa.us; and
  2. the parties have followed the Special Set Process as outlined below.  
    1. General Provisions:  No request by a party for a special setting in a criminal matter will be considered unless the following information is provided in an email and sent to the email listed above. 
      1. The nature of the hearing or hearings requested;
      2. The reason(s) the hearing or hearings cannot be set on an existing criminal regular docket, 3.5/3.6 docket, or preliminary appearance dockets in compliance with the rules applicable to those dockets; 
      3. A proposed date certain and/or earliest date proposed for hearing; 
      4. Whether briefing has been completed; and 
      5. Whether the opposing party has been contacted and whether the opposing party agrees or disagrees with the request.
    2. Pleadings: The proposed note for motion, request for setting and order shall include a check box titled “CLERK’S ACTION REQUIRED” in the caption, and the order shall contain language whereby the Court will grant or deny the request for special setting in whole or in part, and if granted, the date on which the motion will be heard.
    3. Procedure For Review and Decision: Only after filing, the moving party may provide a copy of the pleading to Court Administration.  The Judicial Assistant or designate will review the request, provide the same to a judicial officer for review, and notify the parties of the decision.  Absent compelling circumstances, the moving party may inquire regarding the status of the request no earlier than one week after submission.
    4. Bench Copies: All bench copies of briefings, motions and/pleadings which are to be considered at the time of the hearing must be uploaded to eMotion no less than twenty-four (24) hours two (2) court days prior to the special set hearing in accordance with Local Court Rule 8.11(A). (updated 5/28/2025)

NOTE:  Once a special set is approved, it is expected to proceed. Prior approval from specialsets@co.benton.wa.us is required before striking or continuing a special set.

[Updated September 1, 2024; May 28, 2025]