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.

B.  The defendant shall exercise his right to waive trial by jury in accordance with Article I, Section 17 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The waiver shall be by written motion filed in the district court not later than forty-five days prior to the date the case is set for trial.  The motion shall be signed by the defendant and shall also be signed by defendant's counsel unless the defendant has waived his right to counsel.

C.  With the consent of the district attorney the defendant may waive trial by jury within forty-five days prior to the commencement of trial.

D.  A waiver of trial by jury is irrevocable and cannot be withdrawn by the defendant.

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; Acts 2013, No. 343, §1, eff. June 17, 2013.