South Dakota § 23A-23-1 - (Rule 29(a)) Motion for directed verdict abolished--Judgment of acquittal entered with or without motion on close of evidence for either side--Defendant's right to offer evidence after denial of motion.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-23-1 — (Rule 29(a)) Motion for directed verdict abolished--Judgment of acquittal entered with or without motion on close of evidence for either side--Defendant's right to offer evidence after denial of motion., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23A-23-1. (Rule 29(a)) Motion for directed verdict abolished--Judgment of acquittal entered with or without motion on close of evidence for either side--Defendant's right to offer evidence after denial of motion.
Motions for directed verdict are abolished and motions for judgment of acquittal shall be used in their place. A court on motion of a defendant or on its own motion shall order the entry of judgment of acquittal of one or more offenses charged in an indictment or information after the evidence on either side is closed, if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction of the offense or offenses. If a defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal at the close of the evidence offered by the prosecuting attorney is not granted, the defendant may offer evidence without having reserved the right.
Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.3650; SDCL, § 23-45-5; SL 1978, ch 178, § 297.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23A-23-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-23-1 cover?
Section 23A-23-1 ("(Rule 29(a)) Motion for directed verdict abolished--Judgment of acquittal entered with or without motion on close of evidence for either side--Defendant's right to offer evidence after denial of motion.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 23A-23-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-23-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 23A-23-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.