What to expect in a motion hearing?

Asked by: Prof. Nicolette Hill II  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)

A motion hearing is a hearing that is held in front of the judge after one of the lawyers in the case has filed a written request for the judge to do something. At the hearing, the lawyers will orally argue for or against the request, and in some cases, testimony will be taken regarding the issue.

What happens during a motions hearing?

The court will schedule your hearing. During this hearing, the judge makes sure both your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer and the prosecution are ready to proceed. The judge also hears any legal arguments related to the motion your lawyer has to make.

What to do at a motion hearing?

Introduce yourself and the party you represent. Tell the judge why you're there. Then give the judge the facts. Don't cite to every piece of evidence, but be ready to provide a source for a fact if you are asked or need to emphasize.

How long do motion hearings last?

Motion Hearings: These hearings occur when one party in the case wants the judge to make a decision on a specific aspect of the case before the trial. They can vary in length, often taking anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the motion being discussed.

How does a judge rule on a motion?

A judge will make his/her decision on a motion based on the law that applies, the facts of the situation, and the arguments made by the parties for, and against, the motion.

What is the motion hearing in your criminal case?

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What happens when a motion is denied?

The court will then decide as to whether the motion is granted or denied. If the motion is granted, it means that the document or proceeding in question is declared invalid or void. If the motion is denied, the document or proceeding remains in effect, and the case or legal process will continue.

What types of things do motion ask the court to do?

A motion is an application to the court made by the prosecutor or defense attorney, requesting that the court make a decision on a certain issue before the trial begins. The motion can affect the trial, courtroom, defendants, evidence, or testimony. Only judges decide the outcome of motions.

What comes after a motion hearing?

The outcome of the motion hearing

The judge's decision is issued in the form of an order, which grants or denies the motion. This order becomes an official part of the court record and dictates the next steps in the litigation process.

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 does it mean when a motion is granted?

The judge will either grant or deny the motion. If it is granted, the case is over and the defendant wins. If the motion is denied, as it usually is, the defense is given the opportunity to present its evidence.

How to get a judge to rule in your favor?

Judges expect advocates to present arguments completely and honestly. Completely means knowing the record as well the adversary's con- tentions. Honestly means presenting all information accurately, even if that requires the advocate to concede some points. a trial or appellate judge is to win.

How do you know if your case will be dismissed?

Some signs we look for are a lack of physical evidence, gaps in the chain of custody of evidence, contradictory eyewitness accounts, or witnesses who lack credibility. If the prosecution's case is built on a shaky foundation, they often realize a dismissal or plea deal is their best option.

How to argue a motion in court?

Preparing Your Oral Argument

In planning your presentation, make sure to highlight and make a theme of your case's merits. But also anticipate problems for your side and prepare responses to questions the judges are likely to ask or to issues that opposing counsel is likely to raise in his or her presentation.

How do you prepare for a motion hearing?

Prepare for Questions: Be ready to answer questions from the judge. Think about potential questions the judge might ask and prepare your responses. Organize Your Materials: Ensure all your materials, including notes, evidence, and legal authorities, are well-organized and easily accessible during the hearing.

What happens in first motion?

First Motion: -Filing the Petition: Both spouses file a joint petition in the family court, stating that they have been living separately for at least one year and that they have mutually agreed to dissolve the marriage.

What is the most common result of a preliminary hearing?

The most common outcome of a preliminary hearing is the judge's decision to hold the defendant to answer on the charges. This means the judge has found sufficient probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime and the case will proceed to trial.

What happens if someone lies about being served?

If you are being served with legal papers, it is not against the law for you to lie to the process server. However, if the court finds out that you lied, there may be consequences. The court may deem that you are in contempt of court and may impose sanctions against you.

What is the most common tool used in discovery?

One of the most common discovery tools is written interrogatories, which are questions that one party sends to the other party in writing. The responding party must answer the questions in writing, under oath.

What happens if the court messes up?

Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders, or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at any time of its own initiative or on motion of any party and after such notice, if any, as the court orders.

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 happens if the court loses your file?

Federal laws give defendants the right to receive a record of their trial for review—an important step in the trial appeal process. But when transcripts, exhibits, or other trial records go missing, the defendant has effectively lost his right to an appeal, often leaving the court no choice but to retry the case.

What is considered to be in motion?

Any object that moves from one point to another is considered in motion. Motion is described using different descriptors such as distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.

What are the three basic items all motions must include?

Unless otherwise required by law, a motion must consist of at least the following:
  • A notice of hearing on the motion.
  • The motion itself.
  • A memorandum in support of the motion or demurrer (referred to as points and authorities)

What must you say to make a motion?

To make a motion, you must first be recognized and given the floor by the meeting chairperson or presiding officer. Once you have the floor, state the motion as “I move (state your motion here).”