La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 778

This is the official text of La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 778, part of Louisiana’s Code of Criminal Procedure — sets the procedural rules for criminal cases in Louisiana.

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Motion for acquittal

Official statutory text

In a trial by the judge alone the court shall enter a judgment of acquittal on one or more of the offenses charged, on its own motion or on that of defendant, after the close of the state's evidence or of all the evidence, if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction.

If the court denies a defendant's motion for a judgment of acquittal at the close of the state's case, the defendant may offer its evidence in defense.

Amended by Acts 1975, No. 527, ยง1.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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