CCRP 780 - Right to waive trial by jury - Louisiana Statutes

Art. 780. Right to waive trial by jury

A. A defendant charged with an offense other than one punishable by death may knowingly and intelligently waive a trial by jury and elect to be tried by the judge. At the time of arraignment, the defendant in such cases shall be informed by the court of his right to waive trial by jury.

B. The defendant shall exercise his right to waive trial by jury in accordance with the time limits set forth in Article 521. However, with permission of the court, he may exercise his right to waive trial by jury at any time prior to the commencement of trial.

C. The defendant may withdraw a waiver of trial by jury unless the court finds that withdrawal of the waiver would result in interference with the administration of justice, unnecessary delay, unnecessary inconvenience to witnesses, or prejudice to the state.

Amended by Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 24, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975; Acts 1975, 1st Ex.Sess., No. 16, §1, eff. Jan. 28, 1975; Acts 1985, No. 801, §1.