Stuff I learned in School: Pre-Trial Motions in Law

I'm learning about Motions in Law (Motions? Where's my Dramamine). Anyhow, I found an article in FindLaw.com that broke it down for me.

"After the preliminary hearing and before a criminal case goes to trial, the prosecutor and the defense team usually appear before a criminal court judge and make pre-trial motions [...] Pre-trial motions are tools used by the government and the defense in an effort to set the boundaries for trial, should one take place: What physical evidence and testimony can be used? What legal arguments can and cannot be made? Is there any reason that the defendant should not be forced to stand trial?"

So, an easy way of thinking of what Pre-trial Motions do is, God forbid you get arrested and before you go to trial, the lawyers and judge set up the legal playing field. But if your luck goes south and you get convicted, just remember that there's always P90X's Tony Horton's Prison Cell Push-ups to pass the time. This guy's good!