What is a motion in a criminal defense case?

A motion in a criminal defense case is a legal document that is filed with a court asking it to make a certain ruling or take a particular action. Motions are used in criminal defense cases to ask a court to take a variety of legal actions, from dropping charges to suppressing evidence or dismissing an indictment. In Washington, a criminal defense attorney may file a motion when they believe that a rule or law was violated during the investigation or trial process. Common motions that a criminal defense attorney might file include a motion to suppress evidence, motion to dismiss an indictment, or motion for a new trial. These motions ask the court to step in and review how the law was applied during the case and whether the evidence should be allowed or excluded. In addition to these motions, criminal defense attorneys may also file a motion for a change of venue or motion to obtain expert witness testimony. Each motion is unique and seeks to present a legal argument that will achieve a particular result. A motion can be denied or granted, but it is up to the court to make the final decision.

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