M.R.U. Crim. P. 29

(a) Motion for Judgment of Acquittal. Motions for directed verdict

are abolished and motions for judgment of acquittal shall be used in their place.

The court on motion of a defendant or on its own motion shall order the entry

of judgment of acquittal of one or more crimes charged in the indictment,

information, or complaint after the evidence on either side is closed if the

evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction of such crime or crimes. If a

defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal at the close of the evidence offered

by the State is not granted, the defendant may offer evidence without having

reserved the right. If a motion for judgment of acquittal is made at the close

of all evidence, the court may reserve the decision on the motion, submit the

case to the jury, and decide the motion either before the jury returns a verdict

or after it returns a verdict of guilty or is discharged without having returned a

verdict.

(b) Motion After Discharge of Jury. If the jury returns a verdict of

guilty, or is discharged without having returned a verdict, a motion for

judgment of acquittal may be made or renewed within 14 days after the jury is

discharged or within such further time as the court may fix during the 14 day

period. If a verdict of guilty is returned the court may on such motion set aside

the verdict and enter judgment of acquittal. If no verdict is returned the court

may enter judgment of acquittal. It shall not be necessary to the making of

such a motion that a similar motion has been made before the submission of

the case to the jury. A motion for new trial shall be deemed to include a motion

for judgment of acquittal as an alternative.