(a) On motion filed within 30 days from entry of judgment, a new trial may be granted for the following grounds:
- (1) Irregularity in the proceedings of the court, jury or state or any order of court or abuse of discretion by which the defendant was prevented from having a fair trial;
- (2) Misconduct of the jury or state;
- (3) Accident or surprise which ordinary prudence could not have guarded against;
- (4) That the verdict or decision is not sustained beyond a reasonable doubt or is contrary to law;
- (5) Newly discovered evidence, material for the party applying, which he could not with reasonable diligence have discovered and produced at the trial; and
- (6) Error of law occurring at the trial properly preserved by the party making the application.
- (b) The court, in granting new trials, may allow the same at the costs of the party applying therefor or in the costs abiding the event of the case, or a portion of the costs, as the justice and equity of the case may require, taking into consideration the causes which may make such new trial necessary.
(Code 1923, §9518; Code 1940, T. 7, §276.)