Me. R. Crim. P. 12

As amended through February 27, 2023
Rule 12 - Pleadings and Motions before Trial; Defenses and Objections
(a) Pleadings and Motions. Pleadings in criminal proceedings shall be the complaint, the indictment, and the information, and the pleas of not guilty, not criminally responsible by reason of insanity, guilty, and nolo contendere. All other pleas and demurrers and motions to quash are abolished, and defenses and objections raised before trial that heretofore would have been raised by one or more of such other pleas or pleadings shall be raised only by motion to dismiss or to grant appropriate relief, as provided in these Rules.
(b) Motion Raising Defenses and Objections.
(1)Defenses and Objections That May Be Raised. Any defense or objection that is capable of determination without the trial of the general issue may be raised before trial by motion.
(2)Defenses and Objections That Must Be Raised. Defenses and objections based on defects in the institution of the prosecution or in the indictment, information, or complaint, other than that it fails to show jurisdiction in the court, may be raised only by motion before trial. The motion shall include all such defenses and objections available to the defendant. Failure to present any such defense or objection as herein provided constitutes a waiver thereof, but the court for cause shown may grant relief from the waiver. Lack of jurisdiction shall be noticed and acted upon by the court at any time during pendency of the proceeding.
(3)Time of Making Motions and Filing and Service of Motions.
(A) Motions to dismiss, motions relating to joinder of offenses, motions seeking discovery pursuant to court order under Rules 16 and 16A, motions to suppress evidence, and other motions relating to the admissibility of evidence shall be served upon the opposing party, but not filed with the court, at least 7 days before the date set for the dispositional conference under Rule 18. If the matter is not resolved at the dispositional conference, the motions shall be filed with the court no later than the next court day following the dispositional conference. If, as a result of the dispositional conference, the party filing motions determines the need to alter or amend a motion previously served, the amended motion must be served upon the opposing party pursuant to Rule 49.
(B) All other motions shall be filed with the court promptly after grounds for the motion arise.
(4)Hearing on Motion. A motion before trial raising defenses or objections shall be determined before trial unless the court orders that it be deferred for determination at the trial of the general issue. All issues of fact shall be determined by the court with or without a jury or on affidavits or in such other manner as the court may direct.
(5)Effect of Determination. If a motion is determined adversely to the defendant, the defendant shall be permitted to plead if the defendant has not previously pleaded. A plea previously entered shall stand. If the motion is based upon a defect that may be cured by amendment of the complaint or information, the court may deny the motion and order that the complaint or information be amended. If the court grants a motion based on a defect in the institution of the prosecution or in the indictment, information, or complaint the defendant shall be discharged.
(c) Motion In Limine. The defendant or the State may make a pretrial motion requesting a pretrial ruling on the admissibility of evidence at trial or on other matters relating to the conduct of the trial no later than 7 days before the date set for jury selection. The court may rule on the motion or continue it for a ruling at trial. In determining whether to rule on the motion or to continue it, the court should consider the importance of the issue presented, the desirability that it be resolved before trial, and the appropriateness of having the ruling made by the justice or judge who will preside at trial. For good cause shown the justice or judge presiding at trial may change a ruling made in limine.

Me. R. Uni. Crim. P. 12

Last amended effective 11/2/2016.