Pleadings for use in criminal matters in California courts to prepare for trial, plea, sentencing, and more.

Criminal defense attorneys and paralegals need a pleading package to help efficiently prepare pleadings to defend their clients.  Criminal defendants who review a pleading package may better understand the criminal justice court system and may better help assist in their own defense.

The pleadings in the package on this page have been prepared and used by some of the best criminal defense attorneys.  We have removed personal identifying information from the pleadings, made the pleadings as generic as possible, updated the legal authority, added new authority, and formatted the pleadings for consistency.  Most of the pleadings in these packages are found in one or more of the books we have helped write:

We are constantly working on new pleadings and new books, so you will receive more pleadings than are listed on this page.  Our pleadings are sold to the public, but they are primarily designed for attorneys and paralegals.  If you are a criminal defendant, you should seek the advice of an attorney before using any of these pleadings.

Keep scrolling to descriptions of individual pleadings or jump to a topic by clicking one of the jump links:


Preparation

Discovery

Discovery motions are used to obtain evidence and information from the prosecution in California criminal cases.  This package includes the following Word documents:

  • Informal Request for Discovery – This pleading is used to ask the prosecution to voluntarily provide discovery before formally asking the court to order the prosecution to produce discovery.
  • Motion for Bill of Particulars – This motion asks the prosecution to disclose specifically what the defendant is alleged to have done.  Most of the time, the charging document informs the defendant of the allegations, but sometimes the charging document is too ambiguous.
  • Motion to Discover Child Exploitation Evidence – The prosecution may refuse to give the defense electronic evidence in child exploitation cases.  This motion asks the court to order disclosure and includes remedies to protect public disclosure.
  • Motion for Hearing in Anticipation of Demurrer (Zamora Motion) – This motion is used to get information that may lead to a dismissal, such as evidence that the statute of limitations has run or evidence that an alleged child victim is actually an adult.
  • Discovery Motion – This is a catch-all motion asking for a wide range of evidence.
  • Motion for Independent Examination of Evidence – This motion can be used have a defense expert examine fingerprint evidence, DNA evidence, blood tests, or any other physical evidence to determine if the prosecution experts made mistakes or misinterpreted evidence.
  • Motion to Discover Informant Reliability Records – If the police claim that they based their search on a “Reliable Informant” this motion can be used to get evidence about the informant’s actual reliability.
  • Motion to Discover Informant – This motion is used to learn the identity of a police informant.
  • Motion for Lineup – At trial, the defendant is easy to identify – he’s the one sitting next to the attorney. This motion is used to conduct a fair lineup before trial.
  • Motion to Discover Mental Health Records – A defendant has a limited right to obtain a victim’s mental health records if those records are relevant to the charges or the credibility of the victim.  This motion can be used to help obtain the records.
  • Motion to Discover Officer Personnel Records (Pitchess Motion) – An officer’s personnel records may contain complaints of misconduct or dishonesty.  This motion can be used to request access to personnel records.
  • Motion for Discovery to Assist at Preliminary Hearing – This motion requests early access to evidence that may help resolve the case at or before the preliminary hearing.
  • Motion to Discover Prosecution Agreements – A defendant has the right to know if a witness is receiving compensation or consideration for their testimony.  This motion can help a defendant get access to such agreements.
  • Motion to Discover Sealed Affidavit (Hobbs Motion) – If a search warrant is based on a sealed affidavit, this motion can be used to request access to the sealed part of the search warrant request.
  • Motion to Discover Evidence of Selective Prosecution – If a defendant is selected for prosecution based on race, sexual preference, national origin, or other improper basis, this motion can be used to request evidence of discrimination.
  • Motion to Discover Witness Criminal Records – Often, the prosecution will disclose that a witness has a criminal record but won’t disclose reports or evidence related to the criminal record.  This motion can be used to request those reports along with witness names and contact information.
  • More – We add pleadings to the package web pages, but we don’t update this list very often, so you’ll probably receive more pleadings that are on this list.

Funding

Funding motions are used to ask the court to pay some or all of the costs of the defense.  Some of these motions are available for free on our sister web page ExpertAppointments.comExpertAppointments.com also has a free MCLE course explaining how to find and fund experts.  This Funds Package includes the following Word and/or PDF documents:

  • Appoint Counsel of Choice – If an attorney begins a case but then the defendant or the defendant’s family runs out of funds to pay the attorney, the defendant can request that the court pay the cost of the attorney.  This pleading can be used to make that request.  This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Appoint Gang Expert (Appointed Counsel) – This is a sample expert appointment request to be used by an appointed attorney or by a pro per defendant who has been declared to be indigent. This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Appoint Interpreter (Appointed Counsel) – This is a sample expert appointment request to be used by an appointed attorney or by a pro per defendant who has been declared to be indigent. This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Appoint Investigator (Retained Counsel) – This is a sample expert appointment request to be used by an attorney who has been retained to represent a defendant. This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Appoint Paralegal (Appointed Counsel) – This is a sample expert appointment request to be used by an appointed attorney or by a pro per defendant who has been declared to be indigent. This pleading includes argument and authority to show that paralegals are an important part of the defense team.  This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Appoint Technology Expert (Appointed Counsel) – This is a sample expert appointment request to be used by an appointed attorney or by a pro per defendant who has been declared to be indigent. This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Transcript of Prior Proceedings – A criminal defendant is entitled to transcripts of any needed prior proceedings, such as the transcript of a defendant’s trial that ended with a hung jury or the transcript of a codefendant’s trial.  This pleading can be used to request those transcripts. This is an ex parte request, so it should not be served on the prosecution.
  • Request to Waive Court Fees –  This judicial council form (FW-001) is used by some attorneys as an attachment to fund requests as proof that a defendant is indigent.  The form is not designed for use in criminal proceedings and it is widely available for free online; however, because it is used by so many attorneys, it is included in this package for sake of convenience.

Third Party

Third party pleadings are used to order a person or entity that is not a member of the prosecution team to take some action that is of benefit to the defense team.  We have created a Bar approved MCLE course about finding and funding expert witnesses.  The MCLE is free, and it includes some free criminal defense motions related to the appointment of defense experts.  The MCLE and related pleadings and handouts can be accessed by clicking here.  Motions from the MCLE along with other third party criminal defense motions are in this package.  This Third Party Package includes the following Word and/or PDF documents:

  • Confidential Communications – Use this pleading to request the court to order the jail or prison to allow the defendant free, unmonitored phone calls with his defense team.
  • Outside Medical – This pleading can be used to request that the court order a jail or prison to transport a defendant to a medical facility to receive treatment using his own insurance or his own funds.
  • Pubic Records Act Request – With few restrictions, government agencies must disclose agency records to any member of the public.  This pleading can be used to request records from state and local agencies.  Such records may be beneficial to find evidence of selective prosecution, to find discriminatory procedures, to find errors in laboratory procedures, or to find other evidence of benefit to the defense.
  • Quash Protective Order (Defendant) – In a domestic violence case, a protective order is often issued in favor of the alleged victim even if the victim does not want the protective order.  Use this pleading to request the court to order the quash the protective order.
  • Quash Protective Order (Alleged Victim) – In a domestic violence case, a protective order is often issued in favor of the alleged victim even if the victim does not want the protective order.  An alleged victim can use this pleading to request the court to order the quash the protective order.
  • Conditional Examination – A civil litigant generally can depose and question any material witness, but a criminal defendant does not enjoy the same rights as a civil litigant.  However, if a witness is so old or so ill that there is a danger of losing the witness before trial, this pleading can be used to request an opportunity to question the witness on the record for use at trial.
  • Subpoena Duces Tecum – Use this to demand that a third party produce evidence and/or appear in court to testify.  This form (CR-125.pdf) is widely available online for free.  It is only included in this package so attorneys, paralegals, and pro per litigants can more easily keep third party pleadings together.

Dismissals

Dismissal motions are used to ask the court to dismiss criminal charges or enhancements.  This package includes the following Word documents:

  • Dismiss for Selective Prosecution – This pleading, also known as a Murgia motion, is used to ask the court to dismiss a prosecution that is based on race, sexual orientation, or some other improper criteria.
  • Dismiss for Invasion of Defense Camp – The prosecution is not allowed to interfere with the defense team’s attorney-client relationship.  This pleading is used to ask the court to dismiss a prosecution based on the prosecution’s interception of defense communications or otherwise interfering with the defense.
  • Dismiss Under General Statute – The prosecution cannot seek harsher punishment by charging a defendant under a general statute instead of a specific statute.  For example, prosecution for theft is barred by a special statute prohibiting use of false statement to obtain welfare, because any conduct which violated the welfare fraud statute would also constitute a violation of the theft provision of the Penal Code.
  • Dismiss for Delay in Prosecution – This pleading asks the court to dismiss charges because the defense has been harmed by delay caused by the prosecution team.
  • Demurrer (Lack of Jurisdiction) – This pleading can be used to ask the court to dismiss the charging document because it does not establish that the court has jurisdiction.
  • Demurrer (Misjoinder) – This pleading can be used to ask the court to dismiss the charging document because it improperly joins counts.  If granted, the prosecution will generally refile the matter as separate cases, but the refiled charges by be barred by the statute of limitations or other rules.
  • Demurrer (Inadequate Notice) – The prosecution must give a defendant adequate notice of the charges against him.  This pleading can be used to ask the court to dismiss because notice is inadequate.
  • Demurrer (Prosecution Admission) – This pleading can be used to ask the court to dismiss because the prosecution has made an admission that the charges are barred.  For example, the prosecution charges a defendant with cannabis sales in violation of Health & Safety Code §11359 and of violating a licensed medical marijuana dispensary in an area not zoned for a dispensary.  By charging both violations, the prosecution has admitted that the sales were licensed and, therefore, not in violation of Health & Safety Code §11359.
  • Dismiss for Denial of Speedy Preliminary Hearing – A defendant who is in custody is generally entitled to a preliminary hearing within ten court days.  (Penal Code §859b).  This motion can be used to ask the court to dismiss if a defendant’s right to a speedy preliminary hearing is violated.
  • Dismiss (Forum Shopping) – The prosecution should not be allowed to dismiss a case just because they don’t like the judge only to refile before a more favorable judge.  If they do, this motion can be used to ask for a permanent dismissal.
  • Dismiss (Improper Destruction of Drugs) – Specific rules apply when law enforcement officers seek to destroy alleged drugs that were seized as part of the prosecution.  This motion can be used to request a dismissal if law enforcement does not follow the rules.  More general motions to dismiss for destruction of evidence (also known as a Trombetta Motions) are often brought as motions in limine.  Learn more about motions in limine on this page.  A general Trombetta motion is also included in the Sanctions Package.
  • Dismiss for Insufficient Evidence (Penal Code §995) – If the prosecution does not present sufficient evidence of guilt at the preliminary hearing, this motion can be used to ask the court to dismiss charges.
  • Dismiss (Interrupted Preliminary Hearing) – Once a preliminary hearing begins, the judge should not be interrupted with other court business. If there are interruptions, this motion could be used to ask for a dismissal.
  • Dismiss (Lack of Funds) – An indigent defendant has the right to not only appointed counsel but also appointed experts and investigators.  If the court does not provide adequate funding, this motion can be used to ask for a dismissal.
  • Dismiss for Speedy Trial Violation – Defendants have the right to a speedy trial.  If that right is violated, this motion can be used to ask the court to dismiss.

Sanctions

Sanctions motions are used to ask the court to punish the prosecution for improper activity, such as an illegal search or the improper destruction of evidence.  In a criminal prosecution, the prosecutor has a duty to treat the criminal defendant fairly.  These criminal defense motions can help when a criminal defendant is not treated fairly.  This package includes the following Word documents:

  • Lost Evidence – If the prosecution loses evidence, the defense may be entitled to a dismissal or other sanction, such as prohibiting the prosecution from introducing other evidence or instructing the jury to presume that the destroyed evidence was favorable to the defense.  This motion, commonly known as a Trombetta motion, can be used to request sanctions.  A dismissal motion related to the improper destruction of drugs can be found in the Dismissal Package. Motions related to the destruction of evidence are often brought as motions in limine.  Learn more about motions in limine on this page.
  • Lost Witnesses – If the prosecution causes a favorable witness to be unavailable to the defense, the court might issue sanctions, such as allowing the defense to introduce written statements from the witness, allowing an investigator to testify as to what the witness told him, or instructing the jury that they should presume that the witness’s testimony would be favorable to the defense.
  • Suppress (Defective Warrant) – This motion alleges that the officer who prepared a search warrant intentionally misled the judge who issued the warrant.  The motion requests that the defense be allowed to examine the officer and that the court then exclude any evidence obtained using the warrant.
  • Suppress (Forced Blood Draw) – This motion can be used to request exclusion of blood taken from the defendant if it was taken by force and without a warrant.
  • Suppress (No Warrant) – This motion asks the court to suppress evidence because the evidence was seized without a valid warrant exception.  Some attorneys use a motion such as this as a sort of lottery ticket by bringing the motion and hoping that the arresting officer does not show up to the hearing, does not remember the facts of the case, or cannot articulate a warrant exception.
  • Suppress (Officer Presence) – A warrantless arrest by a peace officer for a misdemeanor is lawful only if the officer has reasonable cause to believe the misdemeanor was committed in the officer’s presence.  Therefore, if the officer does not witness some required element of the charged offense, the arrest may be deemed invalid and the evidence suppressed.  This motion argues that an officer must witness the volitional movement of a defendant’s vehicle before performing an arrest, but the motion can be adapted to other misdemeanors, such as arguing that a sleeping defendant cannot be arrested for public intoxication or that a shoplifter cannot be arrested by an officer based on the report of a security guard.

Procedure

Procedural motions are used to ask the court for routine matters that generally do not go to the merits of the case, such as to continue trial, to substitute attorneys, or to recall a warrant.  A criminal defense attorney or criminal defendant may bring may such motions before the matter proceeds to a bench trial or a jury trial.  This package includes the following Word documents:

  • Continue Readiness and Trial – Use this pleading to request more time to prepare for trial.
  • Demand on Unsentenced Case – Use this pleading to request that the defendant be sentenced on other outstanding cases to get the benefit of concurrent sentencing.
  • Joinder – Join in a motion filed by another attorney.  This pleading basically says, “me too.”  Instead of copying a motion that has already been filed by a codefendant, this pleading can be used to join in the motion.
  • Not Competent to Stand Trial – If a defendant is unable to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense, the court can suspend proceedings and appoint a mental health professional to examine the defendant.  Use this motion to make the request.
  • Probable Cause Hearing – Use this pleading to request that a defendant held on a misdemeanor charge be released from custody without bail or that the court determine whether there is probable cause to hold the defendant.
  • Recall Warrant – Use this pleading to request that the court recall and arrest warrant and set further proceedings.
  • Reconsideration – If you believe the court made an error in an earlier ruling, use this pleading to ask the court to reconsider based on additional evidence and law.
  • Reduce Bail – A defendant has the right to reasonable bail.  Use this pleading to request a bail reduction.
  • Release Extradition – After an identity hearing related to a pending extradition, the court must grant the defendant bail or hold the defendant for not more than thirty days.  Upon proper findings, this time can be extended up to ninety days.  If the state seeking extradition does not take the defendant within the time limitations, this motion can be used to ask the court to release the defendant.  Unfortunately, this happens all too often.  A defendant will be picked up and held in local custody pending extradition, but the state seeking extradition won’t want to pay the cost of transportation, so the defendant will simply be left in jail.
  • Release Subpoenaed Documents – When documents are subpoenaed from a third party, they are delivered to the court.  This motion can be used to release the documents for use by the defense.
  • Relieved as Attorney of Record – An attorney can use this pleading to request appointment of a new attorney.
  • Return Property – Property that has been seized but is not contraband should be returned once the property is no longer needed as evidence.  Return of property can be prior to trial for items that do not have intrinsic evidentiary value, such as U.S. currency, or can be at the conclusion of trial for items needed as evidence in trial.
  • Set Motions Date – Most courts do not have a specific “Motions Date,” but if you practice in a court that does use the Motions Date system, this motion can be used to request that a Motions Date be set.
  • Substitute Counsel by Consent – Use this pleading to become the attorney of record without a hearing.
  • Substitute Counsel by Motion – Use this pleading to become the attorney of record when prior counsel may oppose being relieved, when you wish to meet with prior counsel to resolve issues surrounding substitution (such as the transfer of discovery), or when the court might be against substitution.  The court might be against substitution if made on the eve of trial, unless new counsel is ready to proceed without a continuance.
  • Waive Conflict – Use this pleading to request permission to represent conflicting parties.  For example, in a shoplifting case where multiple defendants are charged but each claims that no property was taken, one attorney may be allowed to represent all defendants.  However, if each defendant blames the other for the theft, an un-waivable conflict will arise, and the attorney won’t be allowed to represent any defendant.
  • Waiver of Personal Appearance – Use this pleading to request that the attorney be allowed to appear in court without the defendant being present.  It is generally normal for attorneys to handle most aspects of misdemeanor cases without the defendant present, but defendants are usually required to be present at all hearings in felony cases.  However,  special situations may warrant the waiver of appearance by a felony defendant, such as for an elderly defendant, during Covid social distancing, for a defendant in custody in another jurisdiction, or for a defendant suffering illness.
  • Withdraw from Case – Use this pleading to request more time to prepare for trial.

Pleas

Plea related pleadings are in this package.  This package includes the following Word documents:

  • Withdraw Plea – Sometimes a defendant will change his mind about the plea he accepted.  This motion can be used to ask the court to allow the defendant to withdraw his plea.
  • Enforce Agreement – Sometimes the prosecution will change their mind about the plea they accepted.  A common way this to happen is for the prosecution agree to a plea that resolves “all pending matters” and then notice that the defendant has matters pending that the assigned prosecutor was not personally aware of or that the defendant had tickets in traffic court.  This motion can be used to ask the court to enforce a plea agreement.
  • Pre-Plea Probation Report – The court can order preparation of a probation repot to assist in negotiations.  This is often helpful when there are questions about the amount of custody credit a defendant has earned or whether the defendant has prior strike convictions or prison priors.  This pleading can be used to ask the court to order a probation report before a plea is entered.
  • Request to Indicate Sentence – A defendant need not negotiate a plea with the prosecution.  Rather, a defendant can bypass the prosecution and negotiate directly with the court by requesting an indicated sentence.  This pleading requests such an indication from the court.
  • Misdemeanor Diversion – Pursuant to Penal Code §1001.95, which went into effect January 1, 2021, “A judge in the superior court in which a misdemeanor is being prosecuted may, at the judge’s discretion, and over the objection of a prosecuting attorney, offer diversion to a defendant…”  This pleading can be used to request diversion.

Post Conviction Package

Post conviction motions are used to obtain a more favorable sentence.  Other types of post conviction pleadings, that are NOT part of this package, may be used to challenge the validity of a conviction or expunge a case after a sentence is complete.  We offer some of these pleadings free of charge on our sister webpage, ProPerKits.com and other post conviction pleadings can be found in our books.  This post conviction package includes the following Word documents:

  • Modify Probation – This pleading can be used to request modification or termination of probation.
  • Reduce to Misdemeanor – Some charges can be either felonies or misdemeanors.  Charges than can be either are known as wobblers.  This pleading can be used to request that a felony wobbler be reduced to a misdemeanor.
  • Statement in Mitigation – This pleading can be used to inform the court about good deeds done by defendant, the defendant’s need to remain out of custody to care for a loved-one, or other reasons the court should give the defendant a lenient sentence.
  • Strike Prior DUI – If a defendant’s sentence is being enhanced based on a prior DUI plea, this pleading can be used to argue that the prior DUI plea was not valid because it was not entered into voluntarily and knowingly.  This pleading is often of benefit in second time DUI cases because defendants often enter a first time DUI plea without benefit of counsel and without even seeing the evidence being offered against them.
  • Strike Prior – This pleading can be used to request that a prior “strike” because it is invalid as not being knowing and voluntary.
  • Strike Prior (Romero) – This pleading can be used to request that the court strike a prior “strike” conviction that is valid but would result in an unfair sentence because the “strike” prior is old or otherwise not in the spirit of the three strikes law.

Limine

A. Late Pretrial Motions

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Transcript of Prior Proceedings
  2. Set Aside Information (Penal Code §995)
  3. Strike Improperly Alleged Overt Acts
  4. Suppress Evidence – No Warrant
  5. Disclose Prosecution Agreements
  6. Suggestion to Dismiss – Unfair Discrepancy
  7. Suggestion to Dismiss – Family

B. Defendant’s Prior Conduct

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Use of Prior Felony Convictions
  2. Prohibit Use of Prior Misdemeanor Conduct and Convictions – No Moral Turpitude
  3. Prohibit Use of Prior Misdemeanor Conduct and Convictions – With Moral Turpitude
  4. Prohibit Use of Prior Juvenile Matter
  5. Prohibit Reference to Probation or Parole Status
  6. Prohibit Use of Prior Bad Acts
  7. Prohibit Impeachment of Defendant’s Character Evidence
  8. Prohibit Reference to Prior Police Contact
  9. Prohibit Use of Gun Propensity Evidence

C. Defendant’s Image

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Reference to Lack of Remorse
  2. Prohibit Use of Restraints in the Courtroom
  3. Prohibit Bailiff from Standing Behind Defendant During Testimony
  4. Prohibit Use of Stun Belt
  5. Prohibit Jail Clothes During Trial
  6. Prohibit Use of Aliases
  7. Allow Defendant to Wear Customary Cosmetics
  8. Allow Defendant to Conceal Tattoos

D. Defendant’s Statements

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Reference to Ambiguous Confession
  2. Defendant Statements (Intoxicated or Disabled Defendant)
  3. Prohibit use of Defendant Statements (Impeachment)
  4. Prohibit Use of Defendant Statements (Prejudicial)
  5. Defendant Statements (Corpus Delicti Rule)
  6. Prohibit Reference to Withdrawn Plea
  7. Limit Cross Examination

E. Defendant’s Right to Counsel

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Provide Private Meeting Room for Defense
  2. Facilitate Defendant’s Communication with Counsel
  3. House Defendant Locally
  4. Prohibit Comments on Right to Counsel
  5. Prohibit Criticism of the Defense Team
  6. Prohibit Access to Defense Interview Notes

F. Defendant – Other Issues

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Comments on Defendant’s Demeanor
  2. Prohibit Reference to Defendant’s Failure to Disclose Alibi
  3. Allow Display of Physical Characteristics
  4. Admit Polygraph Evidence
  5. Admit Evidence of Consciousness of Innocence
  6. Allow Defendant to Give Narrative Testimony
  7. Prohibit References to Defendant’s Immigration Status
  8. Prohibit Reference to Self-Improvement Efforts
  9. Prohibit Reference to Lack of Love
  10. Prohibit Improper Character Rebuttal

G. Prosecution’s Conduct

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Require Equal Access to Witnesses
  2. Estop Prosecution Theories and Evidence
  3. Prohibit Witness Intimidation
  4. Prohibit Expression of Personal Belief
  5. Prohibit Vouching
  6. Prohibit Reference to Facts Not in Evidence
  7. Prohibit Use of Prejudicial Titles
  8. Prohibit Testimonial Statements by Counsel
  9. Prohibit Sandbagging in Closing Argument
  10. Prohibit Premature Rebuttal
  11. Prohibit Invitations to Stipulate
  12. Prohibit Use of Prosecution’s Demonstrative Evidence
  13. Prohibit Implied Representation of Jury
  14. Require Prosecution to Disclose Theory of Guilt
  15. Prohibit Inconsistent Theories (Theory of Guilt)
  16. Prohibit Inconsistent Theory of Guilt (Culpable Defendant)

H. Prosecution’s Argument

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Prosecution Integrity Argument
  2. Prohibit Improper Explanation of Reasonable Doubt
  3. Prohibit Religious Arguments
  4. Prohibit the Prosecution from Misstating the Law
  5. Prohibit “Standing in the Victim’s Shoes” Argument
  6. Prohibit Misstating the Role of the Jury
  7. Prohibit Allegations of Lying
  8. Prohibit Comments on Custodial Status
  9. Prohibit “Waste of Time” Argument
  10. Prohibit Comments on Failure to Call Witnesses

I. Bifurcations

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Separate Trial – Conflicting Defenses
  2. Separate Trial – Allow Codefendant Testimony
  3. Separate Trial – Codefendant Statements
  4. Separate Trial – Notorious Codefendant
  5. Bifurcate Prior Convictions
  6. Sever Counts
  7. Free Codefendant to Give Truthful Testimony

J. Procedural Matters

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Reduction in the Gravity of the Proceedings
  2. Equal Treatment of Counsel and Witnesses
  3. Prohibit “Door Holding”
  4. Make Use of Personal Recording Device
  5. Daily Transcripts
  6. Federalize Objections
  7. Pretestimonial Hearing
  8. Adopt Codefendant Motions
  9. Prohibit Video Testimony
  10. Limit Impeachment of Witness
  11. Limit Prosecution Witness Conferences
  12. Take Judicial Notice
  13. Recess at Close of Prosecution’s Case-in-Chief
  14. Appoint Interpreter for Defendant’s Exclusive Use
  15. Disclose Witness Schedule
  16. Examine Exhibits Outside the Presence of the Jury
  17. Make Motions in Limine Binding
  18. Delay Release of In Limine Proceedings
  19. Request for Gag Order
  20. Prohibit Comments on Motions in Limine

K. Courtroom Environment

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Limit Courtroom Security
  2. Exclude Witnesses
  3. Prohibit Media Coverage
  4. Allow Expert Witnesses to Remain in the Courtroom
  5. Require the Investigating Officer to Testify First
  6. Allow Favorable Defense Evidence in Opening Statement
  7. Limit Display of Exhibits
  8. Prohibit Spectators from Influencing Trial
  9. Exclude Alleged Victim
  10. Exclude Alleged Child Victim
  11. Exclude the Public
  12. Jury View
  13. Prohibit Cameras in the Courtroom

L. Drugs and Alcohol

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Use of Upper Range of Margin of Error
  2. Prohibit Unqualified “Breath Test” Expert from Testifying
  3. Prohibit Impeachment by Alcohol Use
  4. Drug Use as Financial Motive
  5. Exclude Trombetta Advisement
  6. Prohibit Use of PAS Evidence (Trombetta)
  7. Prohibit Use of PAS Evidence (Foundation)
  8. Prohibit Use of PAS Evidence (Secondary Evidence)
  9. Prohibit Use of PAS Evidence (Wrongful Purpose)
  10. Prohibit Use of PAS Evidence (Due Process)
  11. Prohibit Reference of PAS Refusal
  12. Prohibit Use of Blood Test (Denial of Choice)
  13. Prohibit use of Alcotest Evidence
  14. Exclude Blood Test (Hearsay)
  15. Prohibit Use of Evidence of Tolerance
  16. Prohibit Use of Alcohol Admonition Evidence
  17. Prohibit Stimulant Evidence
  18. Prohibit Depressant Evidence
  19. Prohibit Drug/Alcohol Recognition Expert
  20. Prohibit Field Sobriety Exercise Evidence
  21. Prohibit Improper Use of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
  22. Admit Partition Ratio Evidence
  23. Prohibit Opinion of Alcohol Impairment
  24. Prohibit Extrapolation Evidence
  25. Prohibit Evidence of Withdrawal

M. Hearsay

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Hearsay (Crawford)
  2. Prohibit Description of Video Recording
  3. Prohibit Use of Incomplete of Video Recording
  4. Prohibit Use of Codefendant Statements
  5. Prohibit Use of Redacted Codefendant Statements
  6. Prohibit Use of Codefendant Statements (Conspirator)
  7. Prohibit Use of Calls to
  8. Prohibit Use of Codefendant Jail Calls
  9. Prohibit Use of Booking Records
  10. Prohibit Use of Compelled Statements
  11. Prohibit Use of Third-Party Coerced Statements
  12. Prohibit Use of Statements Coerced by Plea Agreement
  13. Prohibit References to Informant
  14. Prohibit Use of Police Statements to Defendant
  15. Prohibit Use of Preliminary Hearing Testimony
  16. Prohibit Use of Victim Writings
  17. Prohibit Use of Dying Declaration
  18. Prohibit Use of Medical Records (Past Recollection Recorded)
  19. Prohibit Testimony as to Contents of Medical Records
  20. Prohibit Use of Social Media Evidence
  21. Prohibit Display of Labels
  22. Prohibit Extraneous Documentation in the Courtroom
  23. Prohibit Hearsay Under Guise of Explaining Future Conduct

N. Interference with Evidence

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Grant of Immunity for Defense Witness
  2. Prohibit Use of Altered Evidence
  3. Prohibit Use of Altered Evidence (Alternate Form)
  4. Prohibit Use of Evidence Not Timely Disclosed
  5. Dismiss for Failure to Timely Disclose Evidence
  6. Dismiss for Lost Evidence (Trombetta)
  7. Prohibit Impeachment of Prosecution Investigation
  8. Prohibit Reference to Accidentally Destroyed Evidence
  9. Prohibit Use of Text Message Screen Shots

O. Privileges and Rights

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Comments on Post Arrest Silence
  2. Prohibit Comments on Defendant’s Failure to Testify
  3. Prohibit Comments on Exercise of Fourth Amendment Rights
  4. Prohibit Use of Defendant Statements (Miranda)
  5. Prohibit Use of Jailhouse Informant (Miranda)
  6. Invocation of Marital and Spousal Privilege
  7. Invocation of Clergy Penitent Privilege
  8. Prohibit References to Religion
  9. Prohibit References to Sexual Orientation

P. Gangs and Other Conspiracies

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Opinions as to Defendant’s Gang Intent
  2. Prohibit Use of Gang Profile Evidence
  3. Limit Gang Evidence
  4. Limit Gang Evidence (Alternate)
  5. Prohibit Gang Expert Hearsay
  6. Prohibit Gang PowerPoint

Q. Experts

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Expert Opinions of Credibility
  2. Prohibit Comments on the Law
  3. Prohibit Improper Hypothetical Questions
  4. Prohibit Use of Fingerprint Evidence
  5. Prohibit Use of DNA Evidence (Random Methods)
  6. Prohibit Use of Profile Evidence
  7. Prohibit Use of Improper Opinions
  8. Prohibit Accident Reconstruction Testimony (Automobile)
  9. Prohibit Reconstruction Experiments
  10. Prohibit Speculative Expert Testimony (Sargon Test)
    • Bite Marks
    • Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome
    • Gunshot Residue
    • Informant
    • Makeup Sex
    • Mental Health Opinions
    • Meaning of Conversation
    • Rape Trauma Syndrome
    • Shaken Baby Syndrome
    • Thought Process
    • Weapon Possession Intent
    • Tool Marks

R. Admit Favorable Evidence

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Admit Evidence of Victim Drug Use
  2. Allow Impeachment of Prosecution Witnesses
  3. Admit Evidence of Third-Party Culpability
  4. Allow Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct to Prove Knowledge of Acts
  5. Admit Evidence of Lack of Deviance
  6. Admit Evidence of Intimate Partner Battering
  7. Admit Evidence of Effect of Homelessness

S. Inflammatory Evidence

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Use of Photographs of Living Victim
  2. Prohibit Use of Gruesome or Prejudicial Photographs
  3. Prohibit References to Decision to Terminate Life Support
  4. Prohibit Appeals to Passion
  5. Prohibit Appeals to Emotion
  6. Prohibit Music During Presentations
  7. Prohibit Use of the Term “Victim”
  8. Prohibit References to Fear by Victim
  9. Stipulate to Prejudicial Facts
  10. Prohibit Improper Opening Statement
  11. Prohibit Improper Cross
  12. Prohibit Use of Implied Answers
  13. Prohibit Cumulative Inflammatory Evidence

T. Jury Issues

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Limit Conversations Near Jurors
  2. Allow Objections to Peremptory Juror Challenges
  3. Motion for Jury Questionnaire
    • Sample Jury Questionnaire (Sex Crime)
    • Sample Jury Questionnaire (Murder)
  4. Restrict Use of Computers for Juror Selection
  5. Request to Poll the Jury Count by Count
  6. Require that Potential Jurors Represent a Cross-Section of the Community
  7. Remove Prosecution Team Members from the Jury
  8. Strike the Jury Panel (Opinion Formed)
  9. Strike the Jury Panel (Vicinage)
  10. Strike the Jury Panel (Demographic)
  11. Additional Jury Challenges
  12. Determine Special Jury Instructions
  13. Define Abiding Conviction
  14. Sequestered Voir Dire
  15. Prohibit Press Coverage of Voir Dire
  16. Prohibit Juror Questions
  17. Extend the Scope of Readback
  18. Request to Argue Supplemental Instructions
  19. Require Prosecutor to Disclose Prosecution Juror Information
  20. Bailiff Hold Cellular Telephones During Deliberations
  21. Further Voir Dire Regarding Death Penalty Qualification

U. Other Issues

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Prohibit Use of Prejudicial Evidence
  2. Prohibit Officer Bolstering
  3. Prohibit Testimony from Non-Team Members
  4. Prohibit In-Court Identification
  5. Exclude Prejudicial References (Ammunition)
  6. Prohibit Prejudicial References (BB Gun)
  7. Prohibit Use of Web Printouts
  8. Request for Judicial Disclosure

V. Omnibus Pleadings

This package includes the following motions in limine in Word format:

  1. Stipulated Motions in Limine
  2. Omnibus Motion in Limine
  3. Trial Brief

Comparison Chart

These are our opinions of the competition and how they compare to us.  If we are in any way mistaken, please let us know so we can make corrections.  The law library has been closed for closed for a few years so some of our comparisons are based on memory and online research.

Legal Research Services (that’s us)

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: Yes
  • Fully Formatted: Yes
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: Yes
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Large – Over 300
  • Practice Letters and Forms: No
  • Extensive Commentary: No
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Low – $215
  • Overall Rating: Great
  • Worst Features: Limited commentary, no prosecution motions, little practice advice
  • Best Features: Fully customized for the attorney; price, simplicity
  • Note: Best value.  This book is generally for the person who already understands pleadings but doesn’t want to reinvent what has already been created and formatted.  If your practice is limited to DUI, consider one of the DUI specific books instead of or in addition to our pleadings.

California Criminal Practice: Motions, Jury Instructions, & Sentencing by Rucker and Overland

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: Yes
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Huge – There are six books in the series, so we guess there are over 1,500 pleadings.
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Yes
  • Extensive Commentary: Yes
  • Prosecution Motions: Yes
  • Price: High – $1,720
  • Overall Rating: Great
  • Worst Features: Really expensive; pleadings are not properly formatted; most extra material will never be used.
  • Best Features: Comprehensive; great practice pointers and explanation
  • Note: Worth having just for the commentary but not great for pleadings unless you like to type.

California Criminal Motions by Levenson and Ricciardulli

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: No
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Medium – About 130
  • Practice Letters and Forms: No
  • Extensive Commentary: Yes
  • Prosecution Motions: Yes
  • Price: High – $513
  • Overall Rating: Good
  • Worst Features: Everything has to be typed; expensive; limited number of motions
  • Best Features: Great practice pointers and explanation
  • Note: Both of the Levenson and Ricciardulli books are worth having if you have the money, but buy the other one first.

California Criminal Procedure by Levenson and Ricciardulli

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: No
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Large – One book with many great motions
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Yes
  • Extensive Commentary: Yes
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: High – $682
  • Overall Rating: Very Good
  • Worst Features: Everything has to be typed; expensive; no prosecution motions
  • Best Features: Great practice pointers and explanation
  • Note: Both of the Levenson and Ricciardulli books are worth having if you have the money, but buy this one first.

California Driving Under the Influence Defense by Johnson and Taylor

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: No
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Small – DUI Specific
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Yes – DUI Specific
  • Extensive Commentary: Yes
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Low – $223
  • Overall Rating: Good
  • Worst Features: Very few pleadings; limited to DUI
  • Best Features: Great for DUI cases
  • Note: Not generally considered a book of pleadings but we include it here because it has pleadings, and it is a great book.

California Drunk Driving Law by Burglin, Simons, and Kuwatch

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: Yes
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Medium – DUI Specific
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Yes – DUI Specific
  • Extensive Commentary: Yes
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Low – $219
  • Overall Rating: Very Good
  • Worst Features: Limited to DUI
  • Best Features: Great for DUI cases
  • Note: Not generally considered a book of pleadings but we include it here because it has pleadings, and it is a great book.

Complete Manual of Criminal Forms by Bailey and Fishman

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: No
  • Fully Formatted: No
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: No
  • Collection Size: Large – There are three books in the series, but many of the pleadings are only a paragraph or so long.
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Few
  • Extensive Commentary: No
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Ridiculous – $3,867
  • Overall Rating: Poor
  • Worst Features: Crazy expensive; random pleadings from all around the country; everything has to be typed
  • Best Features: Nicely bound
  • Note: This book has potential, but it tries to have something for everyone, which causes it to be useful for almost no one.

California Criminal Defense Practice by Millman, Tarlow, and Sevilla

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: Probably
  • Fully Formatted: Probably
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: No
  • California Specific: Yes
  • Collection Size: Probably Huge – There are seven books in the series
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Probably
  • Extensive Commentary: Probably
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Ridiculous – $6,379
  • Overall Rating: Unknown
  • Worst Features: Crazy expensive
  • Best Features: The descriptions of it look great
  • Note: We would like to read and review this book, but it is so expensive that no one we know has a copy.  If you have a copy, please, let us have a peek so we can give it a fair review.

Brief Bank – CACJ, Innocence Project, CAPCentral, CCAP, NACDL, CADC, etc.

  • Ready to Edit Word Files: Sometimes
  • Fully Formatted: Rarely
  • Fully Customized for the Attorney: Never
  • California Specific: Usually
  • Collection Size: Medium
  • Practice Letters and Forms: Usually not
  • Extensive Commentary: No
  • Prosecution Motions: No
  • Price: Free or almost free
  • Overall Rating: Mediocre
  • Worst Features: Pleadings are often case specific; difficult to find exact pleadings; hodgepodge of pleadings
  • Best Features: Free; promotes collaboration
  • Note: Beware of national organizations that sell their brief bank.  These may be large collections of useless pleadings from multiple jurisdictions that are inapplicable to your jurisdiction and practice area.  While brief banks are not books, they are still something you may want to look in to, especially if you have free access or are already a member of the sponsor organization:

Endorsements

Most of the pleadings in these packages come from books we have helped with, so we are sharing some of the praise and endorsements we have received for those books and the pleadings in them.

“Actually, this is as good as I’ve seen it regarding federalizing objections… you put a lot of effort into this… and you are trying to be specific, so I think that’s good.”  Judicial comments at trial of People v. Xavier Harris, BF155952A.

“The pleadings in this book are good to use as examples to help you understand the system…” Attorney J. Anthony Bryan

“Great motions in limine, such as those you’ll find in this book, can help level the playing field and get your client a fair trial.”  Attorney George A. Boyle

“I’ve spent decades defending the accused.  During that time I have poured countless hours into developing the most effective motions.  I hope you can benefit from my efforts.”  Trial Attorney Roger Lampkin (661)633-1234

“All of my clients should have a copy of this book.  It has a great overview of the criminal process with examples from some of the best attorneys.” Bob Melendez, Gotta Go Bail Bonds (661)633-2245

“As a seasoned, no nonsense criminal defense trial lawyer with more than twenty years experience in the courtroom, I know good motions when I see them, and this book is filled with great motions.” Attorney Joe Whittington (661)322-5822

“I see contributions in this book from some of the top criminal defense attorneys and I am honored to have my motions featured here.”  Attorney Bill Slocumb (661)324-1400

“If you are accused, you need this book.” Champaign Butler, Buzzy’s Bail Bonds (661)324-8119


FAQ

How are these pleadings customized?

We get basic information from you (name, firm, address, phone number, bar number, county, etc.) and we edit the pleadings to they contain your headers, signature lines, name in declarations, etc.

How much do the pleadings cost?

$215 for all of the pleadings.

How do I get my pleadings?

After we fully customize the pleadings to include the proper information in the heading, signature lines, and declarations, we put the pleadings in DropBox and send you a link a few days later.

How often do you do updates?

We update or add something almost every month.  Some weeks, we add and update every day.  However, we don’t send out updated pleadings unless you ask because we don’t want to bombard you with updates and e-mails.  Instead, we send you an update anytime you request one during the first year.  A typical request is, “Do you have any updated pleadings based on the decision in People v. Smith 22 WL 123456?”  Our typical response comes a week or so later and is something like, “We do now!  Follow this link for a new set of all pleadings customized for your practice.”

Can you add my pleadings to your books?

If you have a California criminal defense pleading that is not substantially the same as something we already have, we will update the authority in your pleading and add it to the collection.  If it is a good match, we will add it to one of our books and give you credit for it.

Will you pay me for my pleadings?

On an hourly basis, we are probably making less than minimum wage for the effort we put into the books and pleadings, so no, we don’t pay for pleadings, but you can brag that your pleadings were published.

Can you assist me with a new motion?

Yes, if you are an attorney.

Can I share these pleadings with others?

Please, don’t.  We’ve put a lot of work into these pleadings and own the copyright on the portions that are not government works, such as cases, rules of court, and statutes.  We don’t charge much, and we certainly don’t make much money.  Help us continue our efforts by not sharing.  However, we are honored each time a criminal defense attorney uses our pleadings in a case, and you are free to use the pleadings in all of your cases.


Buy Now

Step One – Pay $215

We accept:
  • Checks and money orders payable to Bakersfield Paralegal, 1412 17th Street, Ste. 349, Bakersfield, CA 93301
  • Zelle: 661-303-8806
  • CashApp: $661Justice
  • Venmo: @LegalResearchServices
  • PayPal: Vvevea@gmail.com
  • Credit cards (use the payment button found below).
  • Cash (bring it to Bakersfield Paralegal, 1412 17th Street, Ste. 349, Bakersfield, CA 93301)
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Use the following button to make a secure payment with a credit card.

Step Two – Customize

Send an e-mail to Pleadings@661Justice.com with the following information:

  1. The payment method you used.
  2. The first line of the heading to be used on the pleadings.  Example: John Smith, SB#123456
  3. The second line of the heading to be used on the pleadings.  Example: Law Offices of Smith and Jones
  4. Address for the pleadings.
  5. Phone number for the pleadings.
  6. Fax number for the pleadings or a note that you don’t want one listed.
  7. Email address for the pleadings or a note that you don’t want one listed.
  8. County
  9. If you would like to pleadings already customized for a specific case, also include the defendant name, case number, hearing date, hearing department, hearing time, and any readiness or trial dates.

Step Three – Download the Pleadings

It takes us a few days to customize your pleadings, but you will receive an email link to all of the pleadings organized into directories roughly as indicated above.  Download all of the pleadings to your computer.

If you have difficulty with any of the steps, call or text.  661-587-8423