Montana Code 46-16-702. Motion for a new trial
46-16-702. Motion for a new trial. (1) Following a verdict or finding of guilty, the court may grant the defendant a new trial if required in the interest of justice. A new trial may be ordered by the court without a motion or may be granted after motion and hearing.
Terms Used In Montana Code 46-16-702
- Court: means a place where justice is judicially administered and includes the judge of the court. See Montana Code 46-1-202
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Included offense: means an offense that:
(a)is established by proof of the same or less than all the facts required to establish the commission of the offense charged;
(b)consists of an attempt to commit the offense charged or to commit an offense otherwise included in the offense charged; or
(c)differs from the offense charged only in the respect that a less serious injury or risk to the same person, property, or public interest or a lesser kind of culpability suffices to establish its commission. See Montana Code 46-1-202
- New trial: means a reexamination of the issue in the same court before another jury after a verdict or finding has been rendered. See Montana Code 46-1-202
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
- Writing: includes printing. See Montana Code 1-1-203
(2)The motion for a new trial must be in writing and must specify the grounds for a new trial. The motion must be filed by the defendant within 30 days following a verdict or finding of guilty and be served upon the prosecution.
(3)On hearing the motion for a new trial, if justified by law and the weight of the evidence, the court may:
(a)deny the motion;
(b)grant a new trial; or
(c)modify or change the verdict or finding by finding the defendant guilty of a lesser included offense or finding the defendant not guilty.