I believe that if the judge feels that the prosecution did not legally meet the burden of proof (a legal determination) then the judge can issue a JNOV in a criminal case.
The Judge cannot reverse an aquittal, but I do believe he can overturn a guilty verdict. The prosecution could then appeal the decision of the judge, but I do believe the judge has the discretion to overturn the guilty verdicts on a legal basis.
I don't do criminal law. My knowledge of criminal law comes mostly from my law school days. I did get the highest grade in my class, but that was many years ago.
It would be interesting to see if it's been done before.
" I did get the highest grade in my class, but that was many years ago"
If it wasn't for guys like me you would not have had the highest grade, so quit bragging and keep billing.