Is there insufficient evidence to convict a defendant charged with alien smuggling who was not aware of the presence of an illegal alien in the vehicle?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Angwin, 271 F.3d 786 (9th Cir. 2001):

(9th Cir. 1987) (holding that circumstantial and indirect evidence such as the place of entry and the furtive behavior of aliens may support an inference that a defendant knew that aliens were illegally in the United States). This defendant is therefore already distinct from defendants charged with alien smuggling who are at least arguably unaware of an alien's presence. See, e.g., United States v. Esparza, 876 F.2d 1390, 1393 (9th Cir. 1989)(finding that there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction where the defendant was present but there was no evidence that the defendant knew that aliens were hidden in a moving van).

Other Questions


When a defendant argues there is insufficient evidence to convict him of a charge of sexual assault, how does the court view the evidence against him? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the burden of establishing that there is insufficient evidence to convict a defendant who has been convicted of a sexual assault? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a defendant challenge their convictions on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to support their convictions? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a jury convicted a defendant of a range of criminal charges, including conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, has been found guilty of all charges relevant to this appeal? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the legal test for a jury to convict a defendant on the evidence of an accomplice who changed the form of the stolen property to a different type of vehicle? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does the fact that a vehicle is in a notorious narcotics and alien smuggling region need to be considered as a factor in determining whether to stop the vehicle? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a defendant challenge his conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice by challenging the sufficiency of evidence to support his conviction? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any case law where a defendant has been convicted of a drug-fuelled murder and convicted of the crime because the prosecution relied heavily on circumstantial evidence? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the difference between a conviction for transporting a stolen vehicle in foreign commerce and a conviction of possession of the stolen vehicle? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a jury convict a defendant on a conspiracy charge based on evidence of an overt act that is not specified in the indictment? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.