What is a motion for a directed verdict?

A motion for a directed verdict is a type of motion used in a criminal court case in Virginia. It is a request made by the defense attorney and is made once all of the evidence has been presented to the jury. The attorney will ask the judge to dismiss the case and not allow it to go to the jury for a verdict. The judge will either grant or deny the motion, depending on whether or not they believe the prosecution has presented enough evidence for a conviction. If the judge grants the motion, then the case is dismissed and the defendant is acquitted. However, if the judge denies the motion, the case proceeds to the jury for a verdict. The jury is then instructed to determine whether the evidence proves the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The main benefit of a motion for a directed verdict is that it allows the defense the opportunity to argue that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to prove the defendant’s guilt. In such cases, the judge may be more likely to dismiss the case rather than proceeding to a jury verdict. Therefore, motions for a directed verdict are an important part of the criminal justice process in Virginia.

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What is a motion for a directed verdict?

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