If you see a potential for a motion to dismiss, this is an opportunity to inform the client how much legal expertise is necessary for such a filing. In other words, they will be facing a daunting challenge trying to represent themselves and will likely need an attorney more than ever.
For example, before disgraced comedian Bill Cosby's retrial, his defense team filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the sexual assault alleged in the criminal complaint had happened outside of the statute of limitations.
If you file a motion to strike, it must be in a stand-alone pleading that cannot exceed two pages. A response is due within five days, and the response also cannot exceed two-pages. Do not file a reply unless one is ordered. A motion to strike does not extend the deadline to file a responsive pleading.
The first lines of your motion should state your name and role in the case, and what you are asking the judge to do. Traditionally, the first line begins "Comes now the defendant," followed by your name. Then you state that you're asking the court to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint.
MOTIONS TO DISMISS IN CIVIL CASES ARE COMMON In these civil litigation cases, motions to dismiss are likely based on “failure to state a claim.” A motion to dismiss is filed in response to a complaint filed by the Plaintiff requesting that the court grant them some form of relief usually damages.
Motions to continue are not automatically granted. There must be a showing of good cause for the continuance to be granted. Do not assume your motion to continue was granted just because you filed a motion.
Write a short and clear introduction. Draft a factually accurate narrative. Know the standard that must be met and craft an explanation of the standard. Use the most persuasive components of the relevant law. Apply the law to the facts in a convincing and credible manner. Conclusion.
Unless made at trial or an evidentiary hearing, a motion to strike may be filed only if it is expressly authorized by statute or other rule, or if it seeks to strike any part of a filing or submission on the ground that it is prohibited, or not authorized, by a specific statute, rule, or court order.
A motion to strike is a request to a judge that part of a party's pleading or a piece of evidence be removed from the record. During the pleading stage, this can be accomplished by a tool such as Rule 12(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or a state equivalent.