What does a motion to compel do?
Asked by: Riley Bayer | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)
The motion to compel is used to ask the court to order the non-complying party to produce the documentation or information requested, and/or to sanction the non-complying party for their failure to comply with the discovery requests.
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.
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 are the reasons for motion to compel?
(a) Generally
If a party or witness fails to adequately respond to a proper request for discovery, the party seeking discovery may file a motion with the ALJ for an order compelling a response in accordance with the request. An evasive or incomplete response to discovery may be treated as a failure to respond.
What happens if someone ignores a motion to compel?
If a party or party's officer, director, or managing agent fails to obey a discovery order, the court may issue further orders. A court must also order a disobedient party, the advising attorney, or both to pay expenses resulting from the failure to reply.
Discovery: What is a Motion to Compel?
How to win a motion to compel?
- Act in good Faith.
- Thorough Knowledge of the Case.
- Limit citing voluminous authorities.
- Avoid Personal Attacks.
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.
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 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 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.
What does compel mean legally?
compel vt. com·pelled. com·pel·ling. : to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure and esp. by authority or law [cannot the defendant to testify] [the result…
What is a motion to compel settlement?
One of the most common practices to enforce a settlement agreement is to file a motion to enforce settlement agreement in court. This motion calls on the court to enforce the agreed upon terms, and the judge has the final say. His or her role is to analyze evidence presented and listen to oral testimony by both sides.
Is a motion to compel a subpoena?
A motion to compel is the method by which a subpoenaing party may compel production, if the reporter refuses to comply with the demands of the subpoena.
What is the compel process?
A motion to compel is a formal request made by one party in a legal case to the court, seeking an order that the opposing party must provide certain information or take specific actions within a specified timeframe.
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 happens after motion to compel arbitration?
If a party has a pending lawsuit with arbitrable and non-arbitrable clauses and a petition to compel arbitration has been granted, a plaintiff may dismiss his/her lawsuit without prejudice under Code of Civil Procedure section 581 and as long as the statute of limitations allows, file a second suit without the ...
What happens after a motion to compel is granted?
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 someone doesn't respond to 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 does compel activity mean?
: to cause to do something by the use of physical, moral, or mental pressure : force. illness compelled him to stay in bed. 2. : exact entry 1, extort. compel obedience.
How many days to respond to motion to compel?
However, sanctions are “mandatory” against the late responding party if the requesting party has to file a motion. [CCP 2033.280(c)]. Deadline 45 days: Motion to Compel must be filed within 45 days from insufficient response [See Above].
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.
Who can oppose a motion?
If one party to a case has filed a motion with the court, the other side can file an “opposition.” An “opposition” is a written statement explaining to the judge why the other side is not entitled to whatever he is asking for in his motion. It is your opportunity to oppose the other side's request.
Why would a motion to compel be denied?
The declaration may also include information obtained from other parties or non-parties that would support the relevance of the discovery you seek to compel. The declaration must be filed with the notice. Failure to include the declaration will serve as a basis to deny a motion to compel further responses.
How long does a judge have to answer a motion?
Sometimes, the Judge makes a decision right away. If not, the Judge has 60 days by law to decide the motion.
What is the deadline for motion to compel after discovery?
The Court may reject your Motion to Compel as untimely if you file it after your discovery deadline or long after you became aware of the insufficient response to your discovery request.