A motion to compel is a request upon the court to get the opposing party or a third party to take action.  These are generally filed when a party that is requesting information or other evidence feels that the opposing side is not being forthright in responding.  The result of a motion to compel could end in:

  • court order upon the opposing side to produce the documentation and/or information
  • sanctions placed on the non-complying party
  • denial of motion to compel by the requesting party

Example

In a criminal trial, a Guam DUI lawyer requests information from the Guam Police Department concerning the arresting officer’s professional history.  GPD refuses to answer the attorney.  The lawyer then files a motion to compel with the court.  The court determines that the motion is pertinent to the case, and issues a court order ordering GPD to turn over the documents requested by the attorney.