If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
You can also use an affidavit or several affidavits in support of your motion to show the judge the seriousness of the matter and to support your request for the relief. An affidavit is a sworn statement generally containing first-hand information.
In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
If you have a lawyer, the lawyer has to file the motion. If you want to file without the lawyer, you need to discharge the lawyer.
Follow the steps below to file a motion or an opposition: Fill out the forms. There are 1 or 2 forms you will have to fill out. File the forms. Turn in the completed forms to the Clerk of Court. Serve the other party. You have to send the filed forms to the other party. Request a decision from the judge.
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.
How to Write a Kick-Ass Motion Make an Outline. Keep Your Motion Simple. Maintain Credibility. Mind Your Citations. Focus on Facts. Keep Your Intro Short. Respect the Opposition. Write in English, Not Legalese.
When you file your motion, the court clerk will insert the date, time, and place of the hearing on your motion. You must then “serve” (mail) a copy of your filed motion (including all exhibits and the date, time, and place of hearing) to all other parties in the case.
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.
If a motion is filed against you and you do not file a written opposition with the court, the judge could grant the other side's motion automatically. That means the other side could get whatever she is asking for in the motion. It also might mean you lose the case, depending on the motion that was filed.