Rule 47 Motions

If you want to ask the court to do something in a criminal case, you do this by filing a motion. A motion is just a formal request asking the judge for a specific order or ruling.

If you're making this request outside of a trial or hearing, it usually needs to be in writing. The judge can allow you to make the request out loud instead, but that's their call. If you're already in a trial or hearing when you need to ask for something, you can typically just say it out loud to the judge at that time.

Whether written or spoken, your motion needs to explain two things clearly: why you're asking for this (the reasons or legal grounds) and exactly what you want the court to do (the relief or order you're seeking). You can also back up your motion with an affidavit, which is a written statement of facts signed under oath, to support your request with evidence.