The state may traverse or demur to a motion to dismiss that alleges factual matters. Rule 3.190(d), CrPR, provides that a motion to dismiss shall be denied if the state files a traverse which denies under oath a material fact alleged in the motion to dismiss. Prior to the hearing, the State has a limited amount of time to either stand silent or file a Traverse or Demurrer. 4th DCA 1981)(citations omitted).Īfter the defense files the Sworn Motion to Dismiss under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.190(c)(4), the matter is set for a hearing. Knowledge is an ultimate question of fact and thus not subject to a motion to dismiss. “The issue of knowledge and of specific intent to commit a crime when acting as a ‘lookout’ or a ‘wheelman,’ as appellant is charged with doing, is not a proper issue to be decided on a motion to dismiss. 3.190(c)(4) based upon the following holding: 3d DCA 1991), the court reversed an order dismissing an information under Fla.R.Crim.P. 1st DCA 1995), the court concluded that the “ailure to swear to a ‘(c)(4)’ motion to dismiss is fatal.” If the motion to dismiss is legally insufficient if it is unsworn. Most often such facts will establish a classic affirmative defense, such as self-defense, insanity, or entrapment, but can relate to any facts which are mutually exclusive to facts essential to the State’s case, such as alibi, the accused’s possessory right to property allegedly stolen, or may show the application of an exception in a statute defining an offense. 5th DCA 1980), the court explained that “s a procedural matter on a motion under this rule the accused must verify facts so inconsistent with his guilt that if untraversed their resulting acceptance as truth will establish his innocence. “The motion is well taken only if no material facts are in dispute and the most favorable construction of the undisputed facts in favor of the State would not establish a prima facie case of guilt.” Requirement of No Material Disputed Facts A Rule 3.190(c)(4) motion to dismiss is similar to a motion for summary judgment in a civil case, and as such both should be granted sparingly. Rule 3.190(c)(4) is structured to avoid a judge’s resolution of factual disputes, leaving those matters to the finder of fact at a trial. The facts on which the motion is based should be alleged specifically and the motion sworn to.” There are no material disputed facts and the undisputed facts do not establish a prima facie case of guilt against the defendant. “he court may at any time entertain a motion to dismiss on any of the following grounds. “The purpose of a motion to dismiss is to allow a pretrial determination of the law of the case when the facts are not in dispute.” State v. Purpose of the Rule 3.190(c)(4) Motion to Dismiss If you are charged with a crime and the undisputed facts do not establish a prima facie case, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm to learn more.Ĭall 81. This article explains the benefits of filing a Sworn Motion to Dismiss under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.190(c)(4) which is often called the “C4 Motion to Dismiss.” The motion to dismiss will be denied if the government files a traverse that denies the material facts alleged in the motion to dismiss. Under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the trial court may entertain a motion to dismiss at any time if it is based on the ground that there are no issues of material fact and the undisputed facts do not establish a prima facie case of guilt.
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