Opinion ID: 871293
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Silver's motions for judgment of acquittal

Text: Upon the close of the State's case, Silver moved for judgment of acquittal on each count pursuant to Rule 29 of the Hawai`i Rules of Penal Procedure (HRPP). [3] The circuit court denied the motion, finding that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, evidence existed to support the elements of each count. The defense then rested its case without calling any witnesses. At this point, Silver renewed his HRPP Rule 29 motion for judgment of acquittal. The court initially denied the motion as to all counts, however, after reviewing the testimony of Minor, the court granted Silver's motion as to Count 2, which alleged sexual contact with Minor's penis during the nighttime massage. The jury found Silver guilty of Count 1 and Counts 3-5.