California Rules of Court 2024

Rule 4.151. Motion for change of venue

(a) Motion procedure

A motion for change of venue in a criminal case under Penal Code section 1033 must be supported by a declaration stating the facts supporting the application. Except for good cause shown, the motion must be filed at least 10 days before the date set for trial, with a copy served on the adverse party at least 10 days before the hearing. At the hearing counterdeclarations may be filed.

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted effective January 1, 2006; formerly part of an unlettered subd.)

(b) Policy considerations in ruling on motion

Before ordering a change of venue in a criminal case, the transferring court should consider impaneling a jury that would give the defendant a fair and impartial trial.

(Subd (b) adopted effective January 1, 2006.)

Rule 4.151 amended effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 841 effective March 4, 1972; previously amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2001; previously amended effective January 1, 2006.

Advisory Committee Comment

Rule 4.151(b) is not intended to imply that the court should attempt to impanel a jury in every case before granting a change of venue.