Montana Code Annotated 2021

TITLE 46. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 13. PRETRIAL MOTIONS

Part 2. Specific Pretrial Motions

Change Of Place Of Trial For Prejudice

46-13-203. Change of place of trial for prejudice. (1) The defendant or the prosecution may move for a change of place of trial on the ground that there exists in the county in which the charge is pending such prejudice that a fair trial cannot be had in the county.

(2) If the district court determines that there exists in the county in which the prosecution is pending such prejudice that a fair trial cannot be had, the district court shall:

(a) transfer the cause to any other county in which a fair trial may be had;

(b) direct that a jury be selected in any county where a fair trial may be had and then returned to the county where the prosecution is pending to try the case; or

(c) take any other action designed to ensure that a fair trial may be had.

History: En. 95-1710 by Sec. 1, Ch. 196, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 95-1710; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 116, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 556, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 174, Ch. 800, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 26, Ch. 262, L. 1993.