Explore types of legal motions available for drafting at LegalHusk, from motions to dismiss and suppress evidence to summary judgments and more. Get expert litigation support for civil, criminal, and appellate cases to strengthen your legal strategy.

Essential Legal Motions Clients Can Order from LegalHusk: A Comprehensive Guide

In the intricate landscape of U.S. legal proceedings, motions serve as formal requests to the court for specific rulings or actions that can significantly influence the outcome of a case. Whether in civil, criminal, or appellate matters, these tools allow attorneys and clients to seek relief, challenge evidence, or streamline proceedings. For clients seeking professional assistance, LegalHusk provides expert litigation document drafting services, specializing in pre-trial, trial, and post-trial motions for civil and criminal cases, appeals, class actions, arbitration, and mediation. By outsourcing to LegalHusk, clients can ensure their motions are meticulously crafted to comply with court rules and maximize strategic impact.

This guide outlines essential types of legal motions available for drafting through LegalHusk. We've compiled a comprehensive list based on common practices in U.S. courts, drawing from federal and state procedures. The motions are categorized for clarity, with brief descriptions of their purposes. Note that specifics may vary by jurisdiction, and consulting with LegalHusk's experts can tailor these to your case.

Pre-Trial Motions

These motions address issues before a trial begins, such as jurisdiction, pleadings, and discovery.

Motion to Dismiss: Requests the court to end the case due to legal deficiencies, like lack of jurisdiction or failure to state a claim.

Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Argues the court lacks authority over the case's subject.

Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction: Challenges the court's authority over the defendant.

Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim: Contends the complaint lacks sufficient facts to support a legal claim.

Motion to Dismiss for Insufficient Service of Process: Seeks dismissal because the summons and complaint were not properly served.

Motion to Transfer Venue: Requests moving the case to a more convenient or appropriate court location.

Motion for More Definite Statement: Asks for clarification of vague or ambiguous pleadings.

Motion to Amend Pleadings: Seeks permission to modify complaints, answers, or other filings.

Motion to Strike: Requests removal of improper, redundant, or scandalous material from pleadings.

Motion for Default Judgment: Pursues judgment when the opposing party fails to respond timely.

Motion to Vacate Default Judgment: Aims to set aside a default judgment due to excusable neglect or other grounds.

Motion for Bill of Particulars: Demands more detailed facts about charges or claims, often in criminal cases.

Discovery Motions

Focused on obtaining or protecting information during the pre-trial phase.

Motion for Discovery: Requests access to evidence held by the opposing party.

Motion to Compel: Seeks a court order forcing compliance with discovery requests, such as document production.

Motion to Compel Deposition: Requires a party or witness to attend a deposition.

Motion for Protective Order: Limits discovery to prevent undue burden, annoyance, or confidentiality breaches.

Motion to Quash: Challenges and invalidates a subpoena or summons.

Motion for Sanctions: Seeks penalties for discovery violations, such as spoliation of evidence.

Motion to Compel Physical Examination: Requires a party to undergo a medical exam in relevant cases.

Brady Motion: Demands disclosure of exculpatory evidence from the prosecution in criminal cases.

Evidentiary and Suppression Motions

These address the admissibility of evidence.

Motion in Limine: Seeks to exclude or limit evidence before trial to avoid prejudice.

Motion to Suppress: Requests exclusion of illegally obtained evidence, common in criminal proceedings.

Franks Motion: Challenges a search warrant based on false statements in the affidavit.

Pitchess Motion: Seeks access to police officer personnel records for impeachment purposes.

Trombetta Motion: Argues for dismissal due to failure to preserve exculpatory evidence.

Motion to Take Judicial Notice: Asks the court to accept undisputed facts without formal proof.

Summary and Judgment Motions

Aimed at resolving cases without a full trial.

Motion for Summary Judgment: Requests judgment because no genuine issues of material fact exist.

Motion for Partial Summary Judgment: Seeks resolution on specific issues, not the entire case.

Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings: Argues the pleadings alone warrant judgment without evidence.

Motion for Directed Verdict: Requests judgment during trial due to insufficient evidence.

Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict: Seeks to overturn a jury verdict post-trial.

Criminal-Specific Motions

Tailored to criminal defense strategies.

Motion for Judgment of Acquittal: Argues insufficient evidence for conviction in criminal trials.

Serna Motion: Seeks dismissal for violation of speedy trial rights.

Motion to Dismiss for Vindictive Prosecution: Claims charges were filed retaliatorily.

Motion to Dismiss for Selective Prosecution: Argues discriminatory enforcement of laws.

Motion to Sever: Requests separate trials for co-defendants or charges to prevent prejudice.

Motion to Compel Confidential Informant Information: Demands disclosure of informant details.

Jailhouse Informant Motion: Challenges or requires disclosure of informant testimony.

Motion for Pre-Trial Lineup: Seeks identification procedures to test witness reliability.

Procedural and Scheduling Motions

These manage the flow and timing of the case.

Motion for Continuance: Requests postponement of a hearing or trial.

Motion to Extend Time: Seeks additional time for filings or compliance.

Motion to Expedite: Asks for accelerated processing of the case.

Motion to Stay Proceedings: Requests a temporary halt, often pending another matter.

Motion to Consolidate Cases: Seeks to merge related cases for efficiency.

Motion for Temporary Orders: Pursues interim relief, such as temporary injunctions or custody.

Motion to Recuse Judge: Requests the judge's removal due to bias or conflict.

Motion to Disqualify Counsel: Seeks removal of opposing counsel for conflicts.

Motion for Service by Alternative Method: Allows non-standard service of process.

Post-Trial and Appellate Motions

Addressed after a verdict or during appeals.

Motion for New Trial: Requests a retrial due to errors, misconduct, or new evidence.

Motion to Set Aside Judgment: Aims to nullify a judgment for fraud, mistake, or other reasons.

Motion for Reconsideration: Asks the court to revisit a ruling based on error or new facts.

Motion for Remittitur: Seeks reduction of an excessive damages award.

Motion for Injunction Pending Appeal: Maintains the status quo during an appeal.

Motion to Intervene: Allows a third party to join the litigation.

Motion to Dismiss for Forum Non Conveniens: Argues for transfer to a more suitable forum.

Miscellaneous Motions

Additional motions for specific scenarios.

Motion for Attorney Fees: Seeks reimbursement of legal costs from the opponent.

Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Join an Indispensable Party: Dismisses due to absence of a necessary party.

Motion to Dismiss for Insufficient Process: Challenges the summons' validity.

Speedy Arraignment Motion: Seeks dismissal for delays in arraignment.

Mejia Motion: Contests statements obtained without proper warnings in certain contexts.

Navigating these motions requires precision and expertise to avoid procedural pitfalls. LegalHusk's drafting services streamline this process, offering customized, high-quality documents that enhance your litigation strategy. Whether you're a solo practitioner or representing a client, ordering from LegalHusk ensures compliance and effectiveness. Visit legalhusk.com to explore their services and start drafting today.