If you’re facing a trial in Texas, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. A motion for a new trial is one choice you might have. A motion for a new trial asks the court to hear the case again. This can be based on several grounds, including newly discovered evidence, jury misconduct, or ineffective assistance of counsel. If anyone is considering filing a motion for a new trial, it’s essential to understand the process and what it could mean for your case.
It is a request made to the court asking that your case be tried again. This can be for many reasons, but most often, it is because the defendant believes that some error made during the first trial resulted in an unfair verdict. In Texas, a motion for a new trial must be filed within 30 days of the jury’s verdict. Suppose someone is thinking about filing a motion for a new trial. In that case, a person should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can make it easy to navigate the process and ensure that the rights are protected. also, this blog post will give you an overview of motions for new trials in Texas
Contents
When Can You File a Motion for a New Trial in Texas?
A motion for a new trial in Texas can be filed:
- the jury verdict was contrary to the law or evidence;
- newly discovered evidence exists that would have changed the outcome of the trial;
- the defendant can show that they were deprived of a constitutional right during the trial; or,
- if the judge made an error during trial.
What Are the Grounds for a Motion for a New Trial?
Several grounds may be raised in a motion for a new trial in Texas. Some of the more common grounds include:
- error in the jury charge;
- newly discovered evidence;
- improper exclusion of evidence;
- improper jury argument by the prosecutor;
- misconduct by the jury; and
- ineffective assistance of counsel.
A new trial will be mandated if the court determines that any of these grounds were present and had a significant impact on the trial’s outcome.
What Rule of Texas Civil Procedure Governs Motions for a New Trial?
Texas requires that a motion for a new trial be filed within 30 days of the jury’s decision. Let’s say the judge rules as follows:
- The verdict was against the overwhelming amount of evidence
- The damages are excessive;
- A legal mistake was made by the trial court, which likely led to the rendering of an incorrect judgement;
- Since the trial, new information has emerged that likely would have led to a different verdict.
Does a Motion for a New Trial in Texas Need to Be Verified?
A motion for a new trial in Texas must be verified. The rules for verification are set out in Rule 3 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Verification is a signed statement by the party or their attorney that they have read the motion and believe it to be true and correct to the best of their knowledge, information, and belief.
Verification is required to confirm that the party submitting the motion has firsthand knowledge of the events claimed in the move. A court may reject the motion or strike it down if it lacks proof.
When Can You File a Motion for a New Trial?
You might be entitled to request a new trial if you were found guilty of a crime in Texas. A “post-conviction relief” or “writ of habeas corpus” are other names for this.
You can file a motion for a new trial if:
- You did not have a lawyer at your original trial, and you now want to appeal your conviction with the help of an attorney;
- New evidence has been discovered that proves you are innocent or that the real culprit has been found;
- A mistake was made by the judge when instructing the jury or another legal error occurred during the trial; or
- During your arrest, questioning, or trial, your constitutional rights were violated.
- You have 30 days following your conviction to submit a motion for a new trial. You might still be able to file an appeal if you miss this deadline, but it will be considerably more challenging.
What Are the Grounds for a Motion for a New Trial?
A application for a new trial asks the court that presided over the initial trial to overturn the jury’s decision and order a new trial. Newly uncovered evidence or juror misbehaviour are often the justifications for a move for a new trial.
To succeed on a motion for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, the movant must show that:
- The proof was uncovered following the trial
- The movant’s lack of diligence was not the cause of his inability to find the evidence
- The evidence is material and competent; and
- The evidence is not merely cumulative or impeaching.
To succeed on a motion for a new trial based on juror misconduct, the movant must show that:
- One or more jurors committed misconduct;
- The misconduct was material and prejudicial; and
- A new trial is necessary to remedy the prejudice caused by the juror’s misconduct.
What Happens After You File a Motion for a New Trial?
The court will schedule a hearing once you submit your application for a new trial. Both sides will present their cases at the hearing. After that, the court will decide whether to grant the motion for a new trial or not. The case will be retried if the request is granted.
Conclusion
A motion for a new trial in Texas is a legal request to have your case reheard by the court.This motion must be made within a specific time frame after the jury’s verdict and must be based on arguments that were not made during the initial trial. Suppose a person is considering filing a motion for a new trial. In that case, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand the process and ensure that your rights are protected.