Art. 770. Prejudicial remarks; basis of mistrial
Upon motion of a defendant, a mistrial shall be ordered when a remark or
comment, made within the hearing of the jury by the judge, district attorney, or a court
official, during the trial or in argument, refers directly or indirectly to:
(1) Race, religion, color or national origin, if the remark or comment is not
material and relevant and might create prejudice against the defendant in the mind of the
jury;
(2) Another crime committed or alleged to have been committed by the defendant
as to which evidence is not admissible;
(3) The failure of the defendant to testify in his own defense; or
(4) The refusal of the judge to direct a verdict.
An admonition to the jury to disregard the remark or comment shall not be
sufficient to prevent a mistrial. If the defendant, however, requests that only an
admonition be given, the court shall admonish the jury to disregard the remark or
comment but shall not declare a mistrial.