Letter from attorney to opposing counsel requesting documentation concerning homestead exemption for change of venue motion.
Letter from attorney to opposing counsel requesting documentation concerning homestead exemption for change of venue motion.
Motions to transfer venue may be brought on the grounds that the action was filed in the wrong court, or that the convenience of the witnesses and the ends of justice would be promoted by the change in venue. CCP § 396b; CCP § 397(c). If venue is improper, a court must grant an "improper court" motion.
A defendant may challenge venue by writing to the court. The defendant is not required to personally appear at the hearing on the venue challenge. If the court denies the challenge and the defendant is not present, the hearing must be continued to another appropriate date.
If a motion for change of venue is granted, the parties can make suggestions of where they wish to have the case transferred. The judge granting the motion then informs the presiding judge of his or her court.
The rule provides for a change of venue only on defendant's motion and does not extend the same right to the prosecution, since the defendant has a constitutional right to a trial in the district where the offense was committed. Constitution of the United States, Article III, Sec. 2, Par.
For example, in California, when a bailiff or marshal calls the court to order part of the cry will take the form "in and for the County of San Francisco"; when there is a change of venue the cry will be, "in the County of Alameda for the County of San Francisco."
The Procedure for a Change of Venue Filing the motion. The moving party should file a motion for a change of venue with the court where the case is pending. Supporting affidavits. The moving party must also provide affidavits and other evidence to support the motion. Serving the motion. Hearing. The judge's decision.
For example, in California, when a bailiff or marshal calls the court to order part of the cry will take the form "in and for the County of San Francisco"; when there is a change of venue the cry will be, "in the County of Alameda for the County of San Francisco."
Section 1404(a) of Title 28 provides that: "for the convenience of parties and witnesses, in the interest of justice, a district may transfer any civil action to any other district where it might have been brought."