Rule 2.7 7. Written Motions and Legal Memoranda

If you file a written motion in a criminal case, you need to back it up with real reasons and legal support. You can't just ask the court for something without explaining why you should get it and pointing to the law that supports your request.

If you want to ask the court to dismiss a case, you have to file a separate written explanation along with your motion. This explanation needs to lay out your argument clearly. There are also extra requirements found in a specific Indiana law (Ind. Code § 35-34-1-4) that you need to follow.

If you want to keep certain evidence out of your trial, you must object at the right time during the trial itself. It also helps to file a written request before trial, at least ten days before a jury trial starts, asking the court to keep out specific evidence. This gives everyone time to prepare and helps the case move along without delays. When you file this kind of request, you need to say exactly what evidence or statements you want kept out and explain why the court should not allow them.