Bill of Particulars

Category: Criminal Procedure

Bill of Particulars

Sec. 9. Bill of particulars. – The accused may, before arraignment, move  for  a  bill  of  particulars  to  enable  him  properly  to  plead  and prepare for trial. The motion shall specify the alleged defects of the complaint or information and the details desired.
 

WHAT IS A BILL OF PARTICULARS?

>     It is a more specific allegation

>     A  defendant  in  a  criminal  case  who  believes  that  he  is  not sufficiently informed of the crime with which he is charged and is not in a position to defend himself properly and adequately could move for a bill of particulars or specifications
 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BILL OF PARTICULARS?

>     It is to allow the accused to prepare for his defense
 

WHEN CAN AN ACCUSED MOVE FOR A BILL OF PARTICULARS?

>     The accused must move for a bill of particulars before arraignment

>     Otherwise, the right is deemed waived
 

WHAT  SHOULD  BE  CONTAINED  IN  THE  MOTION  FOR  A  BILL  OF PARTICULARS?

>     It   should   specify   the   alleged   defects   of   the   complaint   or information and the details desired