How do I write a motion letter to court?

Asked by: Ms. Aglae Abshire  |  Last update: February 16, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (72 votes)

Writing a motion to a court is a formal process, usually involving a written document that clearly states what you want the judge to do, why you are entitled to it, and the legal basis for your request. When representing yourself, it is often best to use specific, pre-approved court forms or follow the "pleading paper" format required by local rules.

What is the format for writing a motion?

General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...

How to write a successful motion?

The language of the motion should be clear and concise. This means avoiding extreme claims or hyperbole while quickly getting to the meat of your arguments. There is a time for humor and poetic prose, and that time rarely comes when you are writing a motion.

What is the proper way to start a motion?

Next, here's how to propose a motion.

During a meeting, a motion is made via three simple words: “I move that.” Any member with a proposal for the group to consider – whether substantive or procedural – should simply seek recognition by the chairperson and when recognized, say, “I move that . . . .”

What is the best way to write a letter to the judge?

Follow the order of this format, leaving a space in between each section:

  • Your Information (first thing that goes on the inside of the letter) Name. ...
  • The Date.
  • The Judge's Information. Honorable Judge First Name Last Name. ...
  • What the Letter Is Going to Address. ...
  • Salutation. ...
  • Body. ...
  • Signature.

Attorney Steve discusses how to file a motion like a PRO

22 related questions found

Does writing letters to a judge help?

These letters can be a very important part of the sentencing process because they help the judge get to know the person they are sentencing in ways other than just the facts of the offense: The letter should be addressed to the Judge, but mailed to the defendant's attorney.

How do you write a good letter to a judge?

What Does a Judge Look for in a Character Letter?

  1. Credibility of the Writer: The writer should clearly state their relationship to the defendant and explain how long they have known them.
  2. Honesty & Objectivity: A character letter should focus on the defendant's positive traits without minimizing the offense.

What must you say to make a motion?

Motion: To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that......") A second motion must then also be made (raise your hand and say, "I second it.") After limited discussion the group then votes on the motion.

What are common reasons motions are denied?

Common reasons include: Insufficient Evidence: The motion may lack adequate evidence to support the claims. Procedural Errors: Failing to comply with filing deadlines or procedural rules. Lack of Legal Merit: The motion may not present a strong legal argument.

How to file a motion in the court?

If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this:

  1. You write your motion.
  2. You file your motion with the court clerk.
  3. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge.
  4. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.

What is a good sentence for motion?

She has a simple golf swing with no wasted motion. He made hand motions to get our attention. Her motion was voted on. The wax should be applied using a circular motion.

How to win a motion?

With this in mind, the best way to win the motion is to be sure your submission succinctly captures the story of the case. You start with your table of contents (often the very first thing the court reads), ensuring that it logically and persuasively tells the story of the case.

What two words must you use when making a motion?

When making a motion, the two essential words you must use are "I move" (or "I move that...") after being recognized by the chair, introducing a proposal for the group to discuss and vote on; this is followed by another member saying, "I second the motion". 

What are 5 examples of motion?

Five examples of motion include a car driving on a straight road (linear), a spinning top (rotational), a child on a swing (oscillatory/periodic), a planet orbiting the sun (circular/periodic), and a ball thrown in the air (projectile/curved path). Motion is simply a change in an object's position over time, seen in everyday activities like walking, running, and even the heart pumping blood.
 

How to write a letter to file a motion?

How to Write a Motion for Court? Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Understand the Purpose of Your Motion. ...
  2. Step 2: Research Court Rules and Requirements. ...
  3. Step 3: Start with a Clear and Concise Title. ...
  4. Step 4: Draft the Introduction. ...
  5. Step 5: Present the Relevant Facts. ...
  6. Step 6: Provide Legal Arguments.

What are examples of motions?

Examples of motion include a car driving, a ball rolling, a bird flying, or even something as simple as water flowing from a faucet, as motion is any change in an object's position over time, seen in daily life as linear (straight line), circular (like a wheel), or vibrational (like a guitar string) movement.
 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

How long does it take for a judge to accept a motion?

There's no strict, universal deadline, but judges aim to rule promptly, often deciding immediately or taking it "under advisement" for days, weeks, or months, depending on case complexity, evidence, and caseload, with federal courts tracking pending motions (like the "Six-Month List") to encourage timely decisions, though delays are common. 

What is the most popular reason that cases get dismissed?

The most common reasons cases get dismissed involve insufficient evidence for the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and violations of the defendant's constitutional rights (like illegal searches or seizures), making key evidence inadmissible, alongside issues like witness unavailability, procedural errors, or prosecutorial discretion where charges are dropped due to lack of interest or resources, especially in criminal matters. In civil cases, settlements often lead to dismissal before trial. 

How do I start a motion?

To make a motion, you must first be recognized and given the floor by the meeting chairperson or presiding officer. Once you have the floor, state the motion as “I move (state your motion here).”

What two things are needed to describe motion?

To know we would have to see another photo- graph taken at a different time. Only by seeing a change of position over time can we be certain that motion occurred. Position and time are both needed to describe motion.

What are the 5 steps to complete a motion in order?

Making a meeting motion follows this 5-step process:

  1. Recognition. The first step is to be recognized. ...
  2. State the Motion. Once you have the floor, state your motion clearly and concisely. ...
  3. Second the Motion. Another attendee must second the motion before it can be discussed or voted on. ...
  4. Debate and Discuss. ...
  5. Vote.

Do judges read letters sent to them?

Yes, judges often read letters sent to them, especially character reference letters or victim impact statements, as they provide crucial personal insight beyond formal evidence, particularly for sentencing decisions. However, these letters must follow strict court rules, usually submitted through attorneys or the court clerk, and are part of formal filings, not informal direct communication, to ensure fairness.
 

What are 11 impactful words to use in a letter of recommendation?

For impactful recommendation words, focus on describing character (Integrity, Resilience, Diligence), skills (Innovative, Resourceful, Articulate), and potential (Exceptional, Insightful, Proactive), with strong action verbs like achieved, led, or transformed to highlight specific accomplishments, creating a powerful endorsement of their capabilities and future success. 

What is the best way to start a letter to a judge?

Begin your letter by addressing it to the court appropriately. Use the specific name of the judge if possible (e.g., “Dear Judge Jones”). If you cannot find the judge's name, “Honorable Judge” is an acceptable alternative. In your introduction, clearly state the purpose of your letter.