What is the applicable standard of review for a challenge to a conviction where the evidence of guilt is largely circumstantial?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Eades, G052399 (Cal. App. 2017):

We find this argument also lacking in merit. The applicable standard of review is well established. "When considering a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence to support a conviction, we review the entire record in the light most favorable to the judgment to determine whether it contains substantial evidencethat is, evidence that is reasonable, credible, and of solid valuefrom which a reasonable trier of fact could find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. . . . We presume in support of the judgment the existence of every fact the trier of fact reasonably could infer from the evidence. [Citation.] If the circumstances reasonably justify the trier of fact's findings, reversal of the judgment is not warranted simply because the circumstances might also reasonably be reconciled with a contrary finding." (People v. Lindberg (2008) 45 Cal.4th 1, 27.)

This standard of appellate review applies "[e]ven where, as here, the evidence of guilt is largely circumstantial . . . ." (People v. Zaragoza (2016) 1 Cal.5th 21, 44.) Thus, while "[i]t is the duty of the jury to acquit the defendant if it finds the circumstantial evidence is susceptible to two interpretations, one of which suggests guilt and the other innocence. [Citation.] [T]he relevant inquiry on appeal is whether, in light of all the evidence, 'any reasonable trier of fact could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.'" (Ibid.)

Other Questions


In reviewing a section 654 challenge, what standard of review does the court apply in reviewing the challenge? (California, United States of America)
What is the standard of review for a conviction based largely on circumstantial evidence? (California, United States of America)
When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the conviction of a convicted rapist, does the court have to review the evidence in the context of section 1118.1? (California, United States of America)
What is the standard of review for appeal against a conviction where the evidence relied mainly on circumstantial evidence? (California, United States of America)
What is the substantial evidence standard of review when a defendant challenges his conviction for insufficient evidence on appeal? (California, United States of America)
What is the substantial evidence standard of review applied to challenges to the sufficiency of evidence in a juvenile proceeding involving criminal behavior? (California, United States of America)
In reviewing the sufficiency of evidence to support the conviction, how does the court review the evidence? (California, United States of America)
What is the standard of review on appeal when a defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction? (California, United States of America)
What is the standard of review on appeal when a defendant challenges the sufficiency of evidence to support his burglary conviction? (California, United States of America)
What is the standard of review for a challenge to the sufficiency of evidence to support a conviction? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.