Does a motion to dismiss need a hearing?

Asked by: Stacy Stamm  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (6 votes)

A party may file a motion to dismiss or withdraw a pleading. When the movant is the filer of the original pleading, there is no hearing. However, the court will set a hearing when another party files the motion and the original movant does not agree to the request.

Does a motion to dismiss require a hearing?

At a motion to dismiss hearing, the parties will stand before a judge who will decide whether to grant the motion or deny it. Note that in many federal (and some state) courts, motions to dismiss may be decided solely “on the papers” without requiring an actual hearing with the parties.

What is the order granting motion to dismiss?

Ruling on a Motion To Dismiss

If the court grants the motion, it can dismiss the case either with or without prejudice. If the court grants the motion and dismisses the case “without prejudice," the plaintiff can fix the deficiencies in the complaint and file it again.

What does motion not requiring hearing mean?

A motion either requires a hearing or doesn't, and the judge may decide whether to hold a hearing on certain motions on a case-by-case basis. You may request a hearing on your motion. For a non-hearing motion, the court will decide based only on written submissions, such as memoranda or briefs, in legalese.

How do you beat a motion to dismiss?

To successfully defeat a motion to dismiss, a pro se plaintiff must rebut the following potential assertions:
  1. The plaintiff's allegations don't fit the facts of the case.
  2. There is a missing element of the claim.
  3. There are no factual allegations in the complaint, only conclusions.

Three types of motions to dismiss -- one of which is filed by the plaintiff

24 related questions found

What is the success rate of motions to dismiss?

Motions to dismiss are accordingly used very commonly in an attempt to reduce defense costs and achieve an early resolution of such claims. Indeed, motions to dismiss are filed in almost all securities cases, with an approximately 50% success rate.

What happens after a motion to dismiss is denied?

The denial of a motion to dismiss necessarily makes it more likely that the case will settle go to trial, as the granting of a motion to dismiss makes a trial impossible absent decision to reconsider the dismissal or a reversal of the dismissal on appeal.

Can a judge refuse to hear a motion?

The judge, as the central figure, listens to the arguments, asks questions, and ultimately decides whether to grant or deny the motion.

What is the difference between a motion and a hearing?

A hearing is a date set with the court to decide whether the relief requested by a motion should be granted. You cannot just walk up to a Judge and ask for something. You have to make a written request in a motion.

How long does it take a judge to rule on a motion to dismiss?

It is difficult to provide an exact answer to this question, as the amount of time it takes for a judge to rule on a motion to dismiss can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a judge to reach a decision on a motion to dismiss.

Why file a motion to dismiss?

When a defendant files a Motion to Dismiss, they argue there is a problem with the legal basis of the charge, and so the case should not proceed to trial. When a judge decides a motion to dismiss, they are not determining the defendant's guilt or innocence. They look at the legal validity of the charge itself.

What happens in a dismissal hearing?

During the hearing, the judge will likely issue a decision regarding any pretrial motions to dismiss the case. Thus, if those motions are successful, your case may be dismissed at the pretrial.

Can a case be dismissed without going to court?

In many criminal cases, the defendant can participate in a pretrial diversion program. If they successfully meet the requirements, the court will dismiss their case. In California, there are different types of pretrial diversion programs, including: Drug diversion programs.

Can a judge ignore a motion to dismiss?

A motion to dismiss might be delayed if there is a question as to whether or not the party with the burden of proof can make a prima facie showing of their case. If it is a close call from the pleadings a judge may allow the plaintiff the opportunity to make that case (or not) before ruling.

What is one reason prosecutors may decide to dismiss cases?

Legal Issues or Procedural Errors: Prosecutors may dismiss a case if there are significant legal issues or procedural errors that could compromise the fairness of the trial. This could include violations of the defendant's constitutional rights, mishandling of evidence, or other legal irregularities.

Is a motion to dismiss final?

A motion to dismiss will be final only if the plaintiff chooses not to amend and proceed, or if the pleading defect is one that cannot be overcome. A motion for summary judgment is another way to ask for a pretrial resolution of a case.

How to prepare for a motion to dismiss a hearing?

At the hearing on the motion, be prepared to present your arguments concisely and forcefully, as well as respond to the plaintiff's likely counterarguments. Many times the court will issue a tentative ruling before the hearing–if so, be sure you are intimately familiar with it and can tailor your arguments accordingly.

What is the 3 types of motion?

The following are the types of motion: Linear Motion. Rotary Motion. Oscillatory Motion.

How to file a motion to dismiss without a lawyer?

Steps to File a Motion to Dismiss
  1. Review the Complaint Thoroughly. Carefully read the plaintiff's complaint to identify any legal deficiencies. ...
  2. Research Relevant Laws and Precedents. ...
  3. Draft the Motion. ...
  4. Include a Conclusion. ...
  5. File the Motion with the Court.

Do judges read motions before court?

If you are referring to motions on legal issues the judge will review them in the course of the hearing or trial. If you are referring to documents to be submitted as evidence the judge may rule on their relevance and/or admissibility prior to going forward .

Why would a judge decline a motion?

If you fail to support your motion with a memorandum of points and authorities, the court could deny the motion because you have implicitly admitted there is no basis for it.

Can a judge dismiss a hearing?

An administrative law judge may dismiss a request for a hearing under any of the following conditions: (a) At any time before notice of the hearing decision is mailed, you or the party or parties that requested the hearing ask to withdraw the request.

How do you survive a motion to dismiss?

In other words, “[t]o survive a motion to dismiss, a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to 'state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.

What is the outcome of motion to dismiss?

If a motion to dismiss is granted, it may be with or without prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice means the case is permanently closed, and the plaintiff cannot file the same claim again. A dismissal without prejudice, however, allows the plaintiff to correct the issues in their complaint and refile the case.

What happens if there is no evidence in a case?

Without evidence, there is no criminal case and no conviction. There are many types of evidence that all seek to prove different things in cases. One commonly used form of evidence in criminal and other cases is circumstantial evidence. In fact, most of the evidence used in criminal cases is circumstantial.