Contra Costa California Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue Due to Co-Defendant's Prior Criminal Convictions: In Contra Costa County, California, a motion for refusal and change of venue can be filed when a co-defendant in a criminal case has prior criminal convictions that may potentially bias the jury against the defendant. This motion seeks the refusal of the presiding judge and a change in the location of the trial in order to ensure a fair and impartial trial for the defendant. Keywords: Contra Costa County, California, motion for refusal, change of venue, co-defendant, prior criminal convictions, fair trial, impartial trial. Different types of Contra Costa California Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue Due to Co-Defendant's Prior Criminal Convictions: 1. Motion for Refusal: This type of motion requests the refusal of the presiding judge assigned to the case. The motion is based on the argument that the judge's impartiality may be compromised due to the presence of a co-defendant with prior criminal convictions. The defendant's legal representation will present evidence or arguments supporting the potential bias and request the appointment of a different judge. 2. Motion for Change of Venue: This motion seeks to change the location of the trial to a different jurisdiction within Contra Costa County. It argues that a fair and impartial trial cannot be held in the current venue due to the influence of the co-defendant's prior criminal convictions on potential jurors. The defense team will present evidence or arguments indicating that the local community is biased against the defendant, thereby necessitating a change in venue. 3. Combined Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue: In some cases, the defense team may file a combined motion, addressing both the refusal of the judge and the change of venue. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the defendant's right to a fair trial by eliminating potential biases imposed by both the presiding judge and the local community affected by the co-defendant's prior criminal convictions. 4. Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue in the Appellate Stage: Although not directly related to the initial trial, this type of motion can be filed during the appellate stage. It argues that the original trial court judge should have recused themselves and a change of venue should have been granted. The purpose is to highlight potential errors or biases from the trial court that impacted the defendant's right to a fair trial. Note: The specific procedures and terminology for filing a motion for refusal and change of venue may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of the case. It is always recommended consulting with a qualified attorney familiar with Contra Costa County's legal practices for accurate and up-to-date guidance.