District court — criminal · Trial and post-trial
Motion for Judgment of Acquittal (Rule 29)
Seeks acquittal because the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction.
Filed by: Defendant
Not yet verified. Compiled from the national rules and not yet verified by a reviewing attorney. The national rules are amended each December 1, and local rules, standing orders and judges' practices add to them. Confirm with the current rules before filing. This is not legal advice.
What it must include
- Caption with court, case title (United States v. …) and case number
- Motion and supporting memorandum
- Signature of counsel of record
- Certificate of service (FRCrP 49(a)–(b))
Deadline and length
Deadline: After the government closes its evidence or after all evidence; or within 14 days after a guilty verdict or after the court discharges the jury (FRCrP 29(a), (c)(1)).
Governing rules
- FRCrP 29
Check the local rules for
- Assigned judge’s individual practices or standing orders
Applies in federal district courts. Find your court for its local requirements.
Other trial and post-trial
Draft this filing in DraftAria.
Court-formatted template with this checklist built in, and brackets where your matter details go.