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.
3 Time for Motion and Ruling. A motion to dismiss must be: (a) filed within 60 days after the first pleading containing the challenged cause of action is served on the movant; (b) filed at least 21 days before the motion is heard; and (c) granted or denied within 45 days after the motion is filed.
If a key witness is unavailable to testify, the prosecutor may not have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If this happens, the prosecutor may need to dismiss the case. For example, a key witness may be the only person who can identify the defendant.
Writing a Persuasive Motion to Dismiss Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language and be diligent with proofreading. Stay Focused on the Legal Issues: Avoid unnecessary details and stick to the relevant legal arguments. Support Every Claim: Use statutes, case law, and rules of procedure to back up your points.
A motion to dismiss asks the court to dismiss either whole or part of a complaint, counterclaim, or crossclaim. Motion to strike or "Demurrer": In some jurisdictions, a motion to strike or a "demurrer" is the equivalent to a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
What happens next? If we filed the motion to strike in a trial court, then we will set the motion to be heard by a judge or magistrate, and be ruled upon. If we filed it in an appeals court, the appeals court will read the motion and offending document and will rule on it without hearing.
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.
3 Time for Motion and Ruling. A motion to dismiss must be: (a) filed within 60 days after the first pleading containing the challenged cause of action is served on the movant; (b) filed at least 21 days before the motion is heard; and (c) granted or denied within 45 days after the motion is filed.
In some U.S. jurisdictions, such as California, these filings are known as “demurrers.” However, “motion to dismiss” is the prevailing terminology in most states and U.S. federal court.