Rule 16.1 - Motion Deadline; Hearings and Rulings on Motions.(a)Motion Deadline. At arraignment or thereafter, the court may set a reasonable deadline for the filing and hearing of all pretrial motions. Pretrial motions shall include, but are not limited to, motions: to dismiss, to suppress evidence, to request discovery, for continuance, for severance, for appointment of experts, for mental examination, or for any other matters which may delay the trial.(b) Ruling on a Motion Generally. The court must decide every pretrial motion before trial unless it finds good cause to defer a ruling. When factual issues are involved in deciding a motion, the court must state its essential findings on the record.Comment
Rule 16.1 tracks former Rule 8.02 of the Uniform Rules of Circuit and County Court. The Rule encourages the making of motions prior to trial, whenever possible, and resolution in a single hearing rather than in a series of hearings.