Reconsideration of Verdict, When Allowed; Conditions

(a)When there is a verdict of conviction, in which it appears to the court that the jury has mistaken the law, the court may explain the reason for that opinion and direct the jury to reconsider its verdict, and if, after the reconsideration, they return the same verdict, it must be entered; but when there is a verdict of acquittal, the court cannot require the jury to reconsider it.

(b)If the jury renders a verdict which is neither general nor special, the court may direct the jury to reconsider it, and it cannot be recorded until it is rendered in some form from which it can be clearly understood that the intent of the jury is either to render a general verdict or to find the facts specially and to leave the judgment to the court. Court on motion of a defendant for a new trial may vacate the judgment if entered, take additional testimony and direct the entry of a new judgment.

(c)A motion for a new trial based on the ground of newly discovered evidence may be made only before or within two years after final judgment, but if an appeal is pending the court may grant the motion only on a remand of the case.

(d)A motion for a new trial based on any ground other than the ground of newly discovered evidence shall be made within seven days after verdict or finding of guilty or within such further time as the court may fix during the seven-day period.