Under FRCP 11, sanctions for improper filings may be pursued only under certain procedural conditions. Which is correct?

• A. Sanctions may be awarded immediately without notice or procedure.
• B. Sanctions require a separate motion and the safe harbor period is irrelevant.
• C. Sanctions may be filed as a general motion without special timing, in any case.
• D. Sanctions generally are denied if there is no opportunity to withdraw or correct within 21 days after service.

Answer: (D)

Under Rule 11, sanctions can’t be pursued until after a safe harbor period is provided. The party seeking sanctions must serve the sanctionable filing on the other side and give them 21 days to withdraw or cure the challenged filing. Only after that window can the movant file the sanctions motion with the court. This protects a party from immediate punitive measures and gives them a chance to fix any issues without judicial intervention. If there’s no opportunity to withdraw or correct within those 21 days, sanctions are generally not appropriate. The other options ignore the required notice and the 21-day safe harbor, or treat timing as irrelevant, which is why they’re not correct.