Terms Used In Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 621

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.

A motion for a change of venue may be filed by either the state or the defendant.  It shall be filed in accordance with Article 521; or thereafter, in the discretion of the court, any time before the first witness is sworn at the trial of the merits.  The motion shall be in writing, sworn to by mover or his counsel, and shall contain:

(1)  Allegations of fact upon which the motion is based; and

(2)  A statement that the motion is not made for the purpose of delay, but to obtain a fair and impartial trial.

A contradictory hearing shall be held upon the motion.

Amended by Acts 1970, No. 291, §1; Acts 1978, No. 735, §2.