How to beat a motion to compel?
Asked by: Manuela Mohr | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes)
You need to give the court a reason to deny the other side's motion to compel. There are many different reasons you could give. Take out your Response to the discovery request. You should have identified reasons in your Response for why you weren't turning over certain information.
How to 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.
Why would a motion to compel be denied?
A judge might deny a motion to compel for several reasons, including: The requested information was not essential to the case. The opposing party already produced the requested material. The motion did not specifically name what materials were being sought.
What happens if someone ignores a motion to compel?
Courts enforce their orders by imposing sanctions on a party who fails to comply. Sanctions can be monetary, such as requiring one party to pay the other parties attorneys' fees and/or imposing a monetary fine, or they can hamper a party's ability to put on their case.
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.
How to Win Motions to Compel.
What is burdensome discovery?
A discovery request can be unduly burdensome or oppressive if complying with the request would require too much time, energy, and expense for the responding party. This objection is most often used with document requests but can apply to other areas of discovery.
What is a good faith letter before motion to compel?
This letter is often called a good faith letter. And it is needed under many courts' rules before you can file a motion to compel discovery if the other party ignores your requests or provides evasive responses or move for sanctions if your opponent refuses to comply with the court's discovery order.
Is motion to compel good or bad?
Motions to compel are often necessary to set the tone in your case and acquire the documents and information you need to win your case. Grounds: When a party who has propounded discovery believes the responses are inadequate, the propounding party may move for a motion to compel a further response.
What is a golden rule letter?
A golden rule letter is a letter to the other side, in which you outline the discovery disputes that you have with them (not answering discovery requests, objections to discovery requests that you think are not well taken, etc.).
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 are the consequences of motion to compel?
If a motion to compel discovery is granted, the prosecution is legally obligated to provide the requested evidence. Failure to comply can lead to various consequences, including sanctions, case dismissal, or a reversal of a conviction on appeal due to the violation of discovery rights.
How long does a motion to compel take?
It depends if there was a hearing or not on your motion to compel. If there was not a hearing, you can expect an order on the motion generally within 30 days, depending on how busy the judge's desk is.
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.
How do you argue a motion?
- Understand Judicial Attention Spans:
- Be Certain Your Brief and Arguments Tell the Story. ...
- Employ Innocence by Association. ...
- Avoid “Red Flag” Clues for the Judicial Reader. ...
- Avoid Ad Hominem Attacks and Language. ...
- Argue to Win. ...
- Never Squander Credibility.
What is a motion to compel for dummies?
A motion to compel is a legal request made by one party to enforce the production of relevant information or evidence during the discovery process of a case. If one party fails or refuses to respond to discovery requests, the opposing party may file a motion to compel to seek court intervention and ensure compliance.
What is the cut off for discovery?
The deadline for finishing discovery (the discovery cutoff) is 30 days before the original date set for a trial unless the parties have agreed or the court has ordered to extend the time.
How to win a motion to compel?
- Act in good Faith.
- Thorough Knowledge of the Case.
- Limit citing voluminous authorities.
- Avoid Personal Attacks.
What happens if someone doesn't respond to discovery?
If the other person does not respond, or their response is still incomplete, you can ask the court to order them to respond. You have 45 days from the service of the most recent responses to ask the court to make an order requiring an answer. If the response was served by mail, 5 extra days are added.
What is reptile theory?
Reptile theory encourages the jury to focus on the acts of the defendant rather than the specific facts surrounding the individual plaintiff's injury. Combat that strategy by assessing your case promptly and developing your defense theory at the outset.
Can you oppose a motion to compel?
Oppositions to motions to compel must be filed no later than 9 days before the hearing. Replies must be filed no later than 5 days before the hearing. Service of oppositions and replies require receipt by the opposing party within 1 business day of the filing deadline. (Code Civ.
What consequences can result from a refusal to cooperate with an order compelling discovery?
(b) Failure to Comply with a Court Order. (1) Sanctions Sought in the District Where the Deposition Is Taken. If the court where the discovery is taken orders a deponent to be sworn or to answer a question and the deponent fails to obey, the failure may be treated as contempt of court.
Who files a motion to compel discovery?
The party who files a Motion to Compel is called the “moving party” and he or she may file a Motion to Compel when another party or non-party has provided an inadequate response to a discovery request pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Make sure you have a legal basis for filing a Motion to Compel.
How long does it take to respond to a motion to compel?
Notice of a motion to compel further responses must be made within 45 days of the service of the “verified response.” (See Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2030.300, subd. (c) [interrogatories], 2031.310, subd. (c) [requests for production], 2033.290, subd.
How do you prove bad faith in family court?
Documentary evidence, including contracts, emails, and other written communications, is often pivotal in proving bad faith. These documents can reveal dishonest or deceitful intentions and actions.
How do you write a compelling letter to a judge?
- Start with a Clear Introduction. ...
- Introduce Yourself and Establish Credibility. ...
- Provide Reasons for Leniency. ...
- Tell a Story or Give Specific Examples. ...
- Provide Your Contact Information. ...
- Not the Same as a Motion to Modify a Sentence.