RULE 16.11
         PERSONAL RESTRAINT PETITION--CONSIDERATION
                         OF PETITION

    (a) Generally. The Chief Judge will consider the
petition promptly after the time has expired to file
petitioners reply brief. The Chief Judge determines at the
initial consideration if the petition will be retained by
the appellate court for determination on the merits or
transferred to a superior court for determination on the
merits or for a reference hearing.  For the purpose of rules
in this Title 16, Chief Judge includes Acting Chief
Judge.
    (b) Determination by Appellate Court. The Chief Judge
determines at the initial consideration of the petition the
steps necessary to properly decide on the merits the issues
raised by the petition. If the issues presented are
frivolous, the Chief Judge will dismiss the petition. If the
petition is not frivolous and can be determined solely on
the record, the Chief Judge will refer the petition to a
panel of judges for determination on the merits. If the
petition cannot be determined solely on the record, the
Chief Judge will transfer the petition to a superior court
for a determination on the merits or for a reference
hearing. The Chief Judge may enter other orders necessary to
obtain a prompt determination of the petition on the merits.
    (c) Oral Argument. Decisions of the Chief Judge will be
made without oral argument. If a petition is to be decided
on the merits by a panel of judges, the appellate court
clerk will set the petition for consideration by the panel
of judges, with or without oral argument. If oral argument
is directed, the clerk will notify the parties of the date
set for oral argument.