Rule 31a-5. MotionforJudgmentofAcquittal

(a) After the close of the juvenile prosecutor's case-in-chief, upon motion of the child or youth or upon its own motion, the judicial authority shall order the entry of a judgment of acquittal as to any principal offense charged and as to any lesser included offense for which the evidence would not reasonably permit an adjudication. Such judgment of acquittal shall not apply to any lesser included offense for which the evidence would reasonably permit a finding of guilty.

(b) The judicial authority shall either grant or deny the motion before calling upon the child or youth to present the respondent's case-in-chief. If the motion is not granted, the respondent may offer evidence without having reserved the right to do so.

Committee Notes

amended June 30, 2008, to take effect Jan. 1, 2009; amended June 13, 2019, to take effect Jan. 1, 2020; amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.)