Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.735 — Hearing — Appeal — Removal to court — Release after ruling., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.12.735. Hearing — Appeal — Removal to court — Release after ruling.
(1) Any person may submit a written request for a hearing to establish a claim of ownership or right to lawful possession of the vehicle, watercraft, camper, or component part thereof seized pursuant to this section.
(2) Upon receipt of a request for hearing, one shall be held before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or an administrative law judge appointed under chapter
34.12 RCW.
(3) Such hearing shall be held within a reasonable time after receipt of a request therefor. Reasonable investigative activities, including efforts to establish the identity of the article or articles and the identity of the person entitled to the lawful possession or custody of the article or articles shall be considered in determining the reasonableness of the time within which a hearing must be held.
(4) The hearing and any appeal therefrom shall be conducted in accordance with Title
34 RCW.
(5) The burden of producing evidence shall be upon the person claiming to be the lawful owner or to have the lawful right of possession to the article or articles.
(6) Any person claiming ownership or right to possession of an article or articles subject to disposition under RCW
46.12.725 through
46.12.740 may remove the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction if the aggregate value of the article or articles involved is two hundred dollars or more. In a court hearing between two or more claimants to the article or articles involved, the prevailing party shall be entitled to judgment for costs and reasonable attorney's fees. For purposes of this section the seizing law enforcement agency shall not be considered a claimant.
(7) The seizing law enforcement agency shall promptly release the article or articles to the claimant upon a determination by the administrative law judge or court that the claimant is the present lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession thereof.
Notes
Intent—Effective date—2011 c 171: See notes following RCW
4.24.210.
Effective dates—Severability—1981 c 67: See notes following RCW
34.12.010.
Severability—Effective date—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 91: See notes following RCW
46.12.720.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 46.12.735
What does Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.735 cover?
Section 46.12.735 ("Hearing — Appeal — Removal to court — Release after ruling.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 46.12.735?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 46.12.735" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 46.12.735 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
