How long do you have to file a motion to compel in federal court?
Asked by: Dr. Kelton Treutel | Last update: September 14, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (72 votes)
A motion to compel discovery must be filed within the later of (i) the close of discovery or (ii) twenty-one days after the date for responding to the discovery request(s) upon which the motion is based, unless the
Is there a deadline for motion to compel in federal court?
The federal rules do not contain any time limit in which a motion to compel discovery must be filed.
What is the time limit for a motion to compel?
Timing: The notice of motion to compel a further response to written discovery must be served within 45 days of service of the verified response at issue or of when any verified supplemental response was served. (§ 2030.300(c)).
How long does a federal court have to rule on a motion?
As long as it takes. “Best practice” is for rulings to be issued within 60 days of the date when the motion becomes decisional, but a typical federal trial judge has about 500–600 cases on their active docket at any given time, and backlogs are common.
What is a motion to compel in federal court?
A motion to compel asks the court to order either the opposing party or a third party to take some action. This sort of motion most commonly deals with discovery disputes, when a party who has propounded discovery to either the opposing party or a third party believes that the discovery responses are insufficient.
Appellate Lawyer Describes A Motion To Compel (to get discovery answers)
What happens after a motion to compel is filed?
A motion to compel discovery is a request to the judge to order the prosecution to hand over evidence. If the court grants the motion, the judge will order that the appropriate materials be released on a plan of sanctions such as fines, suppression of evidence, and even a dismissal of the charges.
What happens if a motion to compel is denied?
If the motion is denied, the court may issue any protective order authorized under Rule 26(c) and must, after giving an opportunity to be heard, require the movant, the attorney filing the motion, or both to pay the party or deponent who opposed the motion its reasonable expenses incurred in opposing the motion, ...
What is the success rate of motions to dismiss?
Indeed, motions to dismiss are filed in almost all securities cases, with an approximately 50% success rate.
What is the 6 month list in federal court?
Federal district court judges are subject to a soft deadline known as the Six-Month List (the List). By law, every judge's backlog (cases older than three years and motions pending more than six months) is made public twice a year.
What is a Rule 35 motion in federal court?
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b) permits a court, upon the government's motion, to impose a new, reduced sentence that takes into account post-sentencing substantial assistance, and that new sentence may go below the recommended guideline range and any statutory mandatory minimum penalty.
Is motion to compel good or bad?
Too often, however, parties fail to make meaningful efforts to respond to written discovery. Motions to compel are powerful tools to educate opposing counsel on, and enforce, discovery obligations. A discovery motion may be required whenever a party is seemingly withholding information.
How do you win a motion to compel?
- Act in good Faith.
- Thorough Knowledge of the Case.
- Limit citing voluminous authorities.
- Avoid Personal Attacks.
Does a motion to compel require a separate statement?
All discovery motions should include a notice of motion and motion. In addition, motions to compel further responses must include a separate statement and meet and confer declaration.
What is the timing of motion to compel?
Timing. 45 Days For Written Discovery – Motions to Compel may be filed 45 days after the insufficient response. [CCP 2030.300(c) (Interrogatories); 2031.310(c) (Inspection Demands); 2033.290(c) (Requests for Admission)].
What is the rule 37 in Arkansas?
Rule 37 - Failure to Make Discovery; Sanctions (a)Motion for Order Compelling Discovery. A party, upon reasonable notice to all parties and all persons affected thereby, may apply for an order compelling discovery as follows: (1)Appropriate Court.
How long do you have to file a motion to reconsider in federal court?
An attorney who intends to appeal an adverse order or judgment should ensure that any motion for reconsideration is filed within 28 days after the order or judgment has been entered, regardless of whether the district court's individual or local rules request (or even mandate) that such motion not be filed until it is ...
What is the lazy judge rule?
Trial Rule 53.2 are officially titled "Failure to rule on motion" and "Time for holding issue under advisement; delay of entering a judgment but are commonly known as the 'lazy judge' rules." Under those rules, the trial court has 90 days in which to render its decision; and that time can only be extended by order of ...
What 3 types of cases will automatically be heard by a federal court?
More specifically, federal courts hear criminal, civil, and bankruptcy cases. And once a case is decided, it can often be appealed.
How do you count time in federal court?
Count every day after the filing date, including weekends, holidays, and the last day of the period. If the last day of the period is a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or court closure, the period continues to run until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or court closure.
What does a motion to compel do?
If the opposing party fails to cooperate or you suspect foul play, you should file a motion to compel. It upholds proper legal practices and ensures the fairest outcome for your client. However, filing such motions is challenging and requires following a strict legal process.
How long does it take a federal judge to rule on a motion to dismiss?
In some cases - the Judge rules within 7 days of the arguments being rendered (Motion is filed, Judge orders first hearing, Judge orders arguments from side filing the motion, Judge orders arguments from side against the motion, Judge gives a ruling) whereas in some cases the ruling may be as long as 6 months.
Can a motion to dismiss be filed at any time?
The defendant generally waives their right to file a motion to dismiss once they file an answer to the complaint. There are some exceptions where a motion to dismiss may be filed at a later point in litigation, such as if the plaintiff amends the complaint.
Is a motion to compel bad?
When that happens, a party can file a motion to compel, asking the Court to order the opposing party to produce the contested documents or information. If a motion to compel is granted and the Court orders the information produced, failing to comply with that order can lead to serious consequences.
How do you fight a motion to compel?
The answering or objecting party may file a response to the motion to compel. The response must contain adequate justification for that party's objections, or argument showing why the party's answers to the discovery requests at issue were sufficient.
What is the burden of proof motion to compel?
Generally, the proponent of a motion to compel discovery bears the initial burden of proving that the information sought is relevant.