State v. Thompson ( 1962 )

124 S.E.2d 728 (1962) 256 N.C. 593

STATE
v.
Mack B. THOMPSON.

No. 721.

Supreme Court of North Carolina.

March 28, 1962.

Walter D. Barrett, Graham, M. Hugh Thompson and William A. Marsh, Jr., Durham, for defendant, appellant.

Atty. Gen., Thomas W. Bruton and Asst. Atty. Gen., H. Horton Rountree for the State.

BOBBITT, Justice.

The only assignment of error brought forward and discussed in defendant's brief is based on his exception to the overruling of his motion for judgment as in case of nonsuit. Hence, all other assignments of error are deemed abandoned. Rule 28, Rules of Practice in the Supreme Court, 254 N.C. 783, 810.

The only question presented by a motion under G.S. § 15-173 for judgment as in case of nonsuit is whether the evidence is sufficient to require submission to the jury. State v. Green, 251 N.C. 40, 110 S.E.2d 609. In passing on such motion, "the evidence is to be considered in the light most favorable to the State, and the State is entitled to the benefit of every reasonable intendment thereon and every reasonable inference to be drawn therefrom." State v. Corl, 250 N.C. 252, 108 S.E.2d 608.

Clearly, if the twenty-one pints of whiskey were in the actual or constructive possession of defendant, there was ample evidence to support the verdict. G.S. § 18-32; State v. Rogers, 252 N.C. 499, 114 S.E.2d 355, and cases cited.

Defendant contends the evidence is insufficient to support a finding that the twenty-one pints of whiskey were in defendant's constructive possession.

As to what constitutes constructive possession, Varser, J., in State v. Meyers, 190 N.C. 239, 129 S.E. 600, said: "If the liquor was within the power of the defendant, in such a sense that he could and did command its use, the possession was as complete within the meaning of the statute as if his possession had been actual." This statement has been quoted with approval in later cases, e. g., State v. Harrelson, 245 N.C. 604, 606, 96 S.E.2d 867. It is stated in State v. Taylor, 250 N.C. 363, 366, 108 S.E.2d 629, 632: "* * * if nontaxpaid whiskey is on a person's premises, with his knowledge and consent, he has constructive possession thereof while it remains on premises under his exclusive control."

Even so, defendant contends the circumstantial evidence upon which the State relies is insufficient to show defendant had constructive possession of the twenty-one pints of whiskey in that the facts shown are not inconsistent with defendant's innocence.

In State v. Stephens, 244 N.C. 380, 383, 93 S.E.2d 431, 433, this Court, in opinion by Higgins, J., said: "We are advertent to the intimation in some of the decisions involving circumstantial evidence that to withstand a motion for nonsuit the circumstances must be inconsistent with innocence and must exclude every reasonable hypothesis except that of guilt. We think the correct rule is given in State v. Simmons, 240 N.C. 780, 83 S.E.2d 904, quoting from State v. Johnson, 199 N.C. 429, 154 S.E. 730: `If there be any evidence tending to prove the fact in issue, or which reasonably conduces to its conclusion as a fairly logical and legitimate deduction, and not merely such as raises a suspicion or conjecture in regard to it, the case should be submitted to the jury.' The above is another way of saying there must be substantial evidence of all material elements of the offense to withstand the motion to dismiss. It is immaterial whether the substantial evidence is circumstantial or direct, or both. To hold that the court must grant a motion to dismiss unless, in the opinion of the court, the evidence excludes every reasonable hypothesis of innocence would in effect constitute the presiding judge the trier of the facts. Substantial evidence of guilt is required before the court can send the case to the jury. Proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is required before the jury can convict. What is substantial evidence is a question of law for the court. What that evidence proves or fails to prove is a question of fact for the jury."

Under the rule stated in State v. Stephens, supra, and approved in later decisions, this Court is of opinion, and so decides, that there was substantial and therefore sufficient evidence to support a finding that the twenty-one pints of whiskey were in the constructive possession of defendant and to support a verdict of guilty. Hence, defendant's motion for judgment as in case of nonsuit was properly overruled.

In State v. Hunt, 253 N.C. 811, 117 S.E.2d 752, cited by defendant, decision was based on a materially different factual situation.

No error.

SHARP, J., took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.