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.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

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.