A Washington Motion to Bar Introduction of Any Evidence Relating to Prior Convictions or Bad Acts is a legal document filed by the defense in a criminal case to prevent the prosecution from presenting evidence related to the defendant's previous convictions or alleged bad acts. This motion is based on specific rules in Washington State that aim to ensure a fair trial and prevent the introduction of potentially prejudicial evidence. In Washington, there are different types of motions under this umbrella, each serving a specific purpose: 1. Washington Motion to Exclude Evidence of Prior Convictions: This type of motion seeks to prevent the prosecution from introducing any evidence related to the defendant's previous criminal convictions. It is based on the premise that prior convictions can bias the jury and unfairly influence their verdict. 2. Washington Motion to Exclude Evidence of Bad Acts: This motion aims to bar the introduction of evidence regarding the defendant's past bad acts that are unrelated to the current charge. These acts may include uncharged criminal conduct, allegations of misconduct, or activities that could negatively affect the defendant's character in the eyes of the jury. 3. Washington Motion for Sandoval Hearing: Named after the landmark case State v. Sandoval, this motion requests a pre-trial hearing to determine whether evidence of the defendant's prior bad acts should be allowed at trial. The court examines the relevance and probative value of such evidence and weighs it against any potential prejudice to the defendant. 4. Washington Motion for Probationary Evidence Exclusion: In cases where a defendant has previously been granted probation, this motion seeks to exclude evidence related to the underlying crime for which the defendant was put on probation. The aim is to prevent the jury from being unduly swayed by previous criminal conduct that has already been addressed through the probationary process. When drafting a Washington Motion to Bar Introduction of Any Evidence Relating to Prior Convictions or Bad Acts, it's crucial to provide a detailed argument, citing pertinent case law, and explaining why allowing such evidence would violate the defendant's right to a fair trial. The motion must demonstrate that the prejudicial impact of introducing prior convictions or bad acts outweighs any probative value, ensuring the admissibility of evidence aligns with Washington's rules of evidence and statutory provisions surrounding fair trial principles.