Motion for Judgment of Acquittal

A motion for judgment of acquittal is a request by the defense, typically made at the close of the prosecution’s case or at the close of all evidence, asking the court to enter a judgment of acquittal on some or all of the charges. The motion argues that the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence to support a conviction, even when viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution. The court must grant the motion if no rational trier of fact could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt based on the evidence presented. If the motion is granted, the charges are dismissed, and the defendant is acquitted. If the motion is denied, the trial proceeds to the next stage, such as the defense’s case or closing arguments.If the motion is denied, the trial proceeds to the next stage, such as the defense’s case or closing arguments.