What is the reason for motion to quash?

Asked by: Camille Aufderhar  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

In law, a motion to quash is a formal request made to a court to declare a specific proceeding , such as a subpoena , an arrest warrant , or a legal complaint , as invalid or void . The purpose of filing a motion to quash is to challenge the legal sufficiency or validity of the document or proceeding in question.

What is the purpose of quash?

Quash means to set aside or to void . In a legal context, quash can be used to describe the process of terminating proceedings or motions or to describe the exclusion of evidence from trial . Examples of the usage of quash include "to quash a motion" or "quash evidence."

How to win motion to quash?

If the proof of service document filed with the court is inaccurate, your motion to quash would argue that you were improperly served. If evidence is confidential, or was tampered with, you can file a motion to quash arguing that the judge should not allow that evidence to be admitted or used against you.

What's the difference between a motion to quash and a motion to dismiss?

An order vacating service of summons and dismissing an action puts an end to litigation without a judicial investigation of the merits; and the effect of granting a motion to quash service is to declare the service void and not to dismiss the complaint.

What happens after filing a motion to quash?

When a motion to quash is filed, the court will review the arguments and evidence presented by the party filing the motion, as well as any opposing arguments. The court will then decide as to whether the motion is granted or denied.

Motion to Quash Explained

25 related questions found

How long do you stay in jail for a warrant for missing court?

If you were a defendant in an ongoing criminal case and were arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear, you could potentially be held in custody until the completion of your trial. Depending on the complexity of the case and the court's docket, this period can span several months or longer.

How to file a motion to quash a warrant?

This is typically done by filing a written motion with the court clerk's office, which will give the person a new court date. Then on that court date, an oral motion to quash or recall can be made to the judge. The judge will quash or recall the warrant because the person has now complied with the order to appear.

Does quash mean innocent?

To quash is to reject, void, or declare invalid, typically referring to a judge's decision to annul an official decision or proceeding.

Does a motion to quash need a separate statement?

The motions that require a separate statement include a motion: (1) To compel further responses to requests for admission; (2) To compel further responses to interrogatories; (3) To compel further responses to a demand for inspection of documents or tangible things; (4) To compel answers at a deposition; (5) To compel ...

What is an example of a motion to quash?

Plaintiff John Doe, by and through his undersigned counsel, requests this Honorable Court quash the subpoena served on ABC Investigative Solutions, LLC (ABC) because: The subpoena directs the Custodian of Records for ABC to produce the requested documents in two different locations: Washington and Lincoln, 2 N.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

What happens if you sue the wrong party?

The term “misjoinder,” on the other hand, refers to the situation where a plaintiff names a completely incorrect party. In this situation, the plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against a person or entity who should not have been included in the lawsuit. This is the more serious mistake that often results in dismissal.

How long does quash last?

The target of Quash will act last in that turn, ignoring priority, provided it has not yet acted. The effect of Quash is ignored by After You. If multiple Pokémon are affected by Quash, they move in the order they were affected by Quash.

What is an example of quash?

He appealed against this conviction and it was quashed. I said there was no conviction standing against the woman, because five and a half years ago it was quashed. He was also convicted of another offence, but that conviction was quashed. In 1916, 105 convictions were affirmed and fifty convictions were quashed.

What is a plaintiff's motion to quash?

The Summons and Complaint were not served properly

This is called a motion to quash service of summons. If the judge decides in the defendant's favor, the plaintiff will have to have the defendant served properly (if possible) before the case can go forward.

What is a quashed Offence?

Having a conviction for criminal offences quashed on appeal means it is no longer in place, but this does not necessarily mean that a person to whom this applies is free from having to face further proceedings for the quashed offence or offences.

Can you quash an indictment?

competent evidence and disqualified witnesses as ground for a motion to quash. Only in the latter case, and where all of the witnesses before the grand jury were disqualified, should the indictment be quashed.

How do I write a letter to a judge to quash a warrant?

Request to the Court: I hereby request that the warrant issued for me in the above listed matter be quashed for the following reasons, and that the Court set a hearing on this matter, as soon as possible. (On the lines below explain your request - what you want the judge to order if they grant your request (or Motion).

What does it mean when a case is quashed?

to state officially that something, especially an earlier official decision, is no longer to be accepted: quash a conviction/decision/order His conviction was quashed in March after a lengthy legal battle.

How can I avoid jail with a warrant?

In some cases, you can clear the warrant by paying a bond or fine and scheduling a new court date. In other situations, you may need to appear before the judge to explain why you missed your original court date and request that they lift the warrant.

What happens when you turn yourself in for a felony warrant?

The judge will see that you are cooperating, which opens the door to quashing the warrant and granting you bail so you can avoid jail. Your criminal defense lawyer will bring up the fact that you turned yourself in as part of a defense strategy.

Can you drop charges after a warrant?

Once a warrant has been issued. The only way to make any change, such as dropping charges, is to talk to the judge and the man the judge will decide if charges will be dropped.