MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL BASED ON NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE

Pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 33 / State Equivalent

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IN THE [COURT NAME]

[DISTRICT/COUNTY], [STATE]

[GOVERNMENT/STATE/PEOPLE],
Plaintiff/Prosecution,	Case No.: _________________
v.	MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
	BASED ON NEWLY
[DEFENDANT FULL NAME],	DISCOVERED EVIDENCE
Defendant.

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INTRODUCTION

Defendant respectfully moves this Honorable Court pursuant to [Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 33(b)(1) / State Rule ________] for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence. This evidence, which could not have been discovered prior to trial through the exercise of reasonable diligence, is not merely cumulative or impeaching, and is of such a nature that it would probably produce an acquittal or different verdict if a new trial were granted.

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PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST

Before filing this motion, verify the following requirements:

☐ Evidence is truly "newly discovered" (not available at trial despite due diligence)
☐ Evidence is not merely cumulative of evidence presented at trial
☐ Evidence is not solely impeachment evidence
☐ Evidence would probably produce a different result
☐ Motion is filed within the applicable time limit
☐ Supporting documentation and affidavits are attached

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PART I: PROCEDURAL POSTURE

1. Federal Court Filing:

☐ This motion is filed under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 33(b)(1)
- Filed within 3 years of verdict (if based on newly discovered evidence)

☐ This motion is filed under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 (if beyond Rule 33 deadline)

2. State Court Filing (specify state):

☐ State: _____________
☐ Applicable Rule/Statute: _____________
☐ Time limit for filing: _____________

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PART II: CASE INFORMATION

3. Court Information:

Field	Information
Court:
Case Number:
Presiding Judge:

4. Conviction Information:

Field	Information
Offense(s) of Conviction:
Date of Verdict:
Date of Sentencing:
Sentence Imposed:

5. Type of Conviction:

☐ Jury Trial
☐ Bench Trial
☐ Guilty Plea (motion to withdraw plea may be more appropriate)

6. Appeal Status:

☐ No appeal filed
☐ Appeal pending (Case No.: _____________)
☐ Appeal concluded (Date: _____________; Result: _____________)

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PART III: THE FOUR-PART TEST FOR NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE

Courts apply a four-part test to determine whether a new trial should be granted based on newly discovered evidence. The defendant must establish that the new evidence:

1. Could not have been discovered before trial through the exercise of due diligence;
2. Is not merely cumulative or corroborative of evidence already presented;
3. Is not used solely to impeach a witness's credibility; and
4. Would probably produce a different verdict or result if a new trial were granted.

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PART IV: DESCRIPTION OF NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE ITEM #1:

A. Nature of the Evidence:

☐ Witness testimony
☐ Documentary evidence
☐ Physical evidence
☐ Scientific/forensic evidence
☐ DNA evidence
☐ Digital/electronic evidence
☐ Expert testimony
☐ Confession by another person
☐ Recantation of trial testimony
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

B. Detailed Description of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

C. Source of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

D. Date Evidence Was Discovered:
_____________________________________________________________

E. Circumstances of Discovery:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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EVIDENCE ITEM #2 (if applicable):

A. Nature of the Evidence:

☐ Witness testimony
☐ Documentary evidence
☐ Physical evidence
☐ Scientific/forensic evidence
☐ DNA evidence
☐ Digital/electronic evidence
☐ Expert testimony
☐ Confession by another person
☐ Recantation of trial testimony
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

B. Detailed Description of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

C. Source of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

D. Date Evidence Was Discovered:
_____________________________________________________________

E. Circumstances of Discovery:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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EVIDENCE ITEM #3 (if applicable):

A. Nature of the Evidence:

☐ Witness testimony
☐ Documentary evidence
☐ Physical evidence
☐ Scientific/forensic evidence
☐ DNA evidence
☐ Digital/electronic evidence
☐ Expert testimony
☐ Confession by another person
☐ Recantation of trial testimony
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

B. Detailed Description of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

C. Source of the Evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

D. Date Evidence Was Discovered:
_____________________________________________________________

E. Circumstances of Discovery:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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PART V: ELEMENT ONE - DUE DILIGENCE

7. Explain why this evidence could not have been discovered before trial through the exercise of due diligence:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

8. What efforts were made before and during trial to discover this evidence?

Effort	Date	Result

9. Why were these efforts unsuccessful?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

10. What circumstances made discovery of this evidence impossible before trial?

☐ Evidence did not exist until after trial
☐ Witness was unknown and could not have been identified
☐ Witness was unavailable (explain): _______________________________
☐ Evidence was concealed by the prosecution (potential Brady violation)
☐ Evidence was in possession of third party who refused access
☐ Scientific methodology was not available
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

Detailed Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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PART VI: ELEMENT TWO - NOT CUMULATIVE OR CORROBORATIVE

11. Explain how this evidence is distinct from evidence presented at trial:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

12. List the evidence presented at trial on the same issue:

Trial Evidence	How New Evidence Differs

13. Why is this evidence not merely corroborative of an existing defense theory?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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PART VII: ELEMENT THREE - NOT SOLELY IMPEACHMENT

14. Does the new evidence do more than impeach a trial witness's credibility?

☐ Yes - The evidence is substantive and probative of innocence
☐ The evidence is primarily impeachment but meets an exception (explain below)

15. Explain the substantive value of this evidence beyond impeachment:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

16. If the evidence includes recantation, explain why it should be credited:

Note: Courts are generally skeptical of recantations. Address the following:

☐ Circumstances making recantation credible
☐ Corroboration of the recantation
☐ Explanation for why original testimony was false
☐ Absence of coercion or improper motive for recantation

Explanation:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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PART VIII: ELEMENT FOUR - PROBABILITY OF DIFFERENT RESULT

17. Explain how this evidence would probably produce a different verdict:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

18. Strength of the Prosecution's Case at Trial:

Key prosecution evidence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Weaknesses in prosecution's case:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

19. How the New Evidence Undermines the Prosecution's Case:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

20. Impact on Key Issues at Trial:

Issue at Trial	How New Evidence Affects This Issue

21. Would this evidence create reasonable doubt?

☐ Yes - Explain: ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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PART IX: SUPPORTING EVIDENCE AND DOCUMENTATION

22. Attachments and Exhibits:

Exhibit	Description
A
B
C
D
E

23. Affidavits Attached:

☐ Affidavit of Defendant regarding due diligence and discovery
☐ Affidavit of new witness(es)
☐ Affidavit of investigator regarding discovery of evidence
☐ Expert affidavit/declaration
☐ Affidavit of recanting witness
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

24. New Witness Information (if applicable):

Witness Name	Relationship to Case	Summary of Expected Testimony

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PART X: TIMELINESS

25. Federal Court (Rule 33):

Event	Date
Date of verdict or finding of guilty:
Date evidence was discovered:
Date of this motion:
Days elapsed since verdict:

Calculation: Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 33(b)(1), a motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence must be filed within 3 years after the verdict or finding of guilty.

☐ This motion is filed within 3 years of the verdict
☐ This motion is filed beyond 3 years (explain basis for timeliness or pursue 28 U.S.C. § 2255)

26. State Court (specify applicable rule and deadline):

Field	Information
Applicable state rule:
Time limit:
Date of verdict:
Date of this motion:
Timeliness status:

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PART XI: REQUEST FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING

27. Request for Evidentiary Hearing:

☐ Defendant requests an evidentiary hearing on this motion

Reasons for Evidentiary Hearing:

☐ Credibility determinations are required
☐ Factual disputes must be resolved
☐ Live testimony is necessary to evaluate the new evidence
☐ Expert testimony should be presented
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

Witnesses to be called at evidentiary hearing:

Witness Name	Purpose of Testimony

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PART XII: REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:

☐ 1. Grant this Motion for New Trial based on newly discovered evidence;

☐ 2. Vacate Defendant's conviction;

☐ 3. Order a new trial;

☐ 4. Conduct an evidentiary hearing on this motion;

☐ 5. Order the preservation of evidence pending resolution of this motion;

☐ 6. Stay execution of sentence pending resolution of this motion;

☐ 7. Appoint counsel to represent Defendant in this proceeding (if not represented);

☐ 8. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

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PART XIII: VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, _________________________________, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Executed on: ______________________ (Date)

At: _______________________________ (City, State)

_________________________________
Defendant's Signature

_________________________________
Printed Name

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Attorney Information (if represented):

_________________________________
Attorney Name

_________________________________
Bar Number

_________________________________
Address

_________________________________
Phone / Email

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PART XIV: CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on _________________ (date), I served a copy of this Motion for New Trial Based on Newly Discovered Evidence on:

[United States Attorney / District Attorney / Prosecutor]:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

By: ☐ U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid
☐ Electronic filing (CM/ECF)
☐ Hand delivery
☐ Other: ___________________

_________________________________
Signature

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STATE-SPECIFIC NOTES

California

• California Penal Code § 1181(8) governs motions for new trial based on newly discovered evidence
• Motion must be filed before judgment or within statutory period
• For post-judgment claims, use habeas corpus under Penal Code § 1473
• California courts apply a similar four-part test
• DNA testing available under Penal Code § 1405

Texas

• Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 21 governs motions for new trial
• Motion must be filed within 30 days of sentencing (strict deadline)
• For later-discovered evidence, use Article 11.07 habeas writ
• Chapter 64 of Code of Criminal Procedure governs DNA testing
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has final authority on habeas claims

Florida

• Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.600 governs motions for new trial
• Motion must be filed within 10 days of verdict (strict deadline)
• For newly discovered evidence after this deadline, use Rule 3.850
• Two-year deadline under Rule 3.850 from when facts could have been discovered
• Rule 3.853 provides for DNA testing

New York

• New York CPL § 330.30(3) governs motions to set aside verdict based on newly discovered evidence
• Motion must be made within statutory time limits
• For post-judgment claims, use CPL § 440.10(1)(g)
• No strict time limit for CPL 440.10, but delay may affect credibility
• Courts apply the four-part test from People v. Salemi

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KEY LEGAL AUTHORITIES

Federal:

Case/Rule	Holding
Fed. R. Crim. P. 33(b)(1)	Three-year deadline for newly discovered evidence motions
United States v. Johnson, 327 U.S. 106 (1946)	Established elements of newly discovered evidence test
Berry v. State of Georgia, 10 Ga. 511 (1851)	Origin of the four-part test

State Variations:

Different states may apply variations of the test. Some states use a three-part test, and the specific phrasing of the requirements varies. Consult applicable state law.

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COMMON TYPES OF NEWLY DISCOVERED EVIDENCE

Type	Considerations
DNA Evidence	Often conclusive; special statutes may apply
Witness Recantation	Courts are skeptical; must explain why recantation is credible
Confession by Another	Must be reliable and corroborated
Expert Testimony	New scientific developments may qualify
Documentary Evidence	Must explain why not discovered earlier
Digital/Electronic Evidence	Technology limitations may excuse earlier non-discovery
Brady Material	Government concealment supports due diligence element

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ATTACHMENTS CHECKLIST

☐ Affidavit of Defendant
☐ Affidavits of new witnesses
☐ Expert reports/declarations
☐ Documentary evidence
☐ Scientific test results
☐ Investigator's report regarding discovery
☐ Trial transcripts (relevant portions)
☐ Evidence of due diligence efforts
☐ Memorandum of Law
☐ Proposed Order

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This template addresses motions for new trial based on newly discovered evidence under both federal and state law. Time limits and specific requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Consult applicable rules and local court requirements.