Under the safe harbor provision, if the opposing party does not amend or withdraw during the safe harbor period and you win, the court may award the expenses (including attorney fees) of preparing your Rule 11 motion.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only if the motion fails
• D. It never awards expenses

Answer: (B)

Rule 11’s safe harbor gives the opposing party a 21-day window to withdraw or cure the challenged filing after a motion for sanctions is served. If they do not amend or withdraw within that period and you pursue the motion, and the court ultimately imposes sanctions, the court may award you reasonable expenses incurred in presenting the motion, including your attorney’s fees. This provision is designed to deter frivolous filings while allowing recovery of costs when sanctions are warranted. If the other party cures within the safe harbor, the motion isn’t filed and no expenses are awarded.