What is the difference between motion to dismiss and motion to terminate?

Asked by: Janae Robel  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (33 votes)

A motion to dismiss often ends a case early based on legal flaws in the complaint (like failure to state a claim), potentially allowing the plaintiff to refile (without prejudice), while a motion to terminate (especially in immigration) is a broader request to end proceedings, often due to changed circumstances or legal reasons, with termination with prejudice being a more permanent bar to refiling than a typical dismissal. The key difference often lies in timing (dismissal early, termination can be later) and the permanence of the ending (dismissal can be temporary, termination more final if with prejudice).

What is the difference between a motion to dismiss and a motion to terminate?

A removal proceeding that has been terminated can be re-opened or refiled, and termination offers only temporary relief from potential deportation. If a removal proceeding is dismissed, that dismissal is generally permanent and cannot be reopened or renewed.

What is the difference between dismissal and termination in immigration court?

Meanwhile, termination proceedings occur when an immigration judge exercises their authority to end a case. Dismissal requires an initiative from a government attorney or immigration officer. Compared to dismissal, either party can start a termination proceeding.

How long does a motion to terminate take?

After a motion to terminate is filed, it may take several weeks to months for the immigration judge to review the motion, hold a hearing if necessary, and issue a decision.

What does motion to dismiss mean?

A motion to dismiss is a formal request for a court to dismiss a case. The reasons for a dismissal vary greatly. Settlement: Approximately 95% of civil cases reach settlements at some stage (can be before, after, or during the trial).

What Is a Motion to Dismiss? A Step-by-Step Guide

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What does it mean when a motion is terminated?

Understanding What It Means When a Motion Is Terminated

Termination acts as a formal closure of that motion in the case docket. To understand the impact, review the court's order or docket entry for details on whether the motion was granted, denied, or dismissed without prejudice.

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.

Is motion to dismiss a good thing?

Yes, a motion to dismiss is generally a good thing for defendants because it's a powerful tool to end a lawsuit early if the complaint lacks a valid legal basis, saving significant time, money, and resources by avoiding discovery and trial; however, for plaintiffs, it can be a setback, though often allowing them to fix and refile the complaint. It's a strategic way to challenge a case's legal sufficiency at the outset, before the complexities of a full trial begin. 

Will you get stopped by immigration if your case is dismissed?

A case dismissal in immigration court means that the judge has closed your case without making a final decision about your immigration status. It's important to know that a dismissal does not mean you have legal status in the U.S. It simply means your case is no longer active in court.

What is motion to terminate proceedings?

Termination of proceedings is a mechanism that ends removal proceedings without either a grant of relief by the IJ or a final order of removal. The case is closed, and the noncitizen cannot be called back into court unless they are issued a new Notice to Appear (NTA) or other charging document.

Is there a difference between dismissal and termination?

The employer or the employee can terminate an employment contract, by giving notice to the other. If the employer terminates the contract, the employee is 'dismissed'. If the employee terminates, they 'resign'.

What happens when a case is terminated?

When a criminal case is dismissed, it means the charges are formally dropped and the case will not move forward to trial, at least at that point in time. A dismissal is not the same as an acquittal. An acquittal happens when a trial takes place, and the judge or jury finds the defendant not guilty.

What are the three types of termination?

The three main types of employment termination are Voluntary (employee quits), Involuntary (employer fires for cause like poor performance/misconduct, or without cause like layoffs/downsizing), and often grouped as a third, Mutual Termination, where both parties agree to end the relationship, or sometimes Job Elimination (like a layoff/RIF) is listed separately. These categories cover the spectrum from an employee's choice to leave, an employer's decision to dismiss for reasons related to the employee or business needs, to a shared agreement to part ways, notes Paychex, AIHR, and Columbia University https://universitypolicies.content/termination-employment.
 

What evidence can be used in a motion to dismiss?

The motion must include a clear legal argument, citing the relevant statutes or case law, and may be accompanied by supporting documents, such as affidavits or exhibits.

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 to 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.

How long does a dismissed case stay on your record?

A dismissed case generally stays on your public record permanently unless you take legal action (expungement or sealing) to remove or hide it, as a dismissal doesn't automatically erase the arrest record. The time and process to get it sealed or expunged vary by state and offense, often requiring a waiting period (e.g., 1-7 years after case conclusion) and a court petition, but it's crucial for removing barriers to employment or housing.
 

What is the difference between termination and dismissal in immigration court?

Termination is like dismissal in that is completely ends the removal proceedings. Any applications before the Court are no longer pending and nothing further must be done to pursue another immigration benefit through other means. Termination can be with or without prejudice.

Can immigration see dismissed cases?

Immigration authorities in the United States can review an individual's criminal record, including expunged records, as part of the immigration process.

Why would a judge deny a motion to dismiss?

Here are some common reasons why judges refuse to dismiss criminal cases: Sufficient Evidence: A judge won't dismiss a case if the prosecution presents enough evidence to support the charges. The judge will likely allow the case to go to trial if the evidence seems strong enough to lead to a possible conviction.

What are 5 reasons for dismissal?

What are the fair reasons for dismissal?

  • Dismissal for misconduct. One of the five reasons for fair dismissal of an employee is for their conduct whilst at work. ...
  • Capability dismissal. ...
  • Redundancy. ...
  • Statutory restriction. ...
  • Dismissal for some other substantial reason (SOSR)

Is dismissed better than not guilty?

While both are great outcomes, an acquittal ("not guilty" verdict) is generally considered stronger because it's a final declaration of innocence after a trial, while a dismissal stops the case without ruling on guilt and might allow refiling unless it's "with prejudice" (permanently closed). An acquittal means the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; a dismissal means the case ended for other reasons, like insufficient evidence or procedural issues, but doesn't formally declare innocence, though it avoids conviction. 

Why would someone file a motion to dismiss?

Grounds for a motion to dismiss challenge a lawsuit's legal sufficiency, often citing a court's lack of jurisdiction (subject matter or personal), improper venue, insufficient service of process, or the plaintiff's failure to state a claim (meaning even facts alleged don't support a legal case). Other reasons include failure to join a necessary party, the case being barred by the statute of limitations, or a prior judgment on the same issue. 

What evidence is needed for a dismissal case?

Essential Documentation for Proving Wrongful Termination

As a wrongful dismissal attorney would confirm, the following documentation is crucial: Performance Reviews and Evaluations. Email and Written Communications. Witness Statements and Testimonials.

Can a case be dismissed without going to court?

Can I get a case dismissed without going to trial? Yes, if there is insufficient evidence obtained or if the alleged crime doesn't hold up, a skilled attorney can work to dismiss charges before trial. Excluding evidence may also lead to dismissal.