Opinion ID: 886481
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Ray's Convictions for Aggravated Burglary

Text: ¶ 55 Having determined that mere possession of a loaded firearm stolen during a burglary qualifies as armed with a weapon for purposes of aggravated burglary, while a showing of intent is required when a defendant steals an unloaded firearm, we now turn to apply this rule to Ray's case. As mentioned above, we review denial of a motion for a directed verdict of acquittal to determine whether the district court abused its discretion. No abuse of discretion occurs if, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. ¶ 56 At trial, the State presented evidence that Ray stole over a dozen hunting rifles and shotguns and several pistols from two of the residences, hence the two convictions for aggravated burglary. However, the State's evidence only showed one of those weapons to be loaded. Therefore, we consider the two counts of aggravated burglary separately. ¶ 57 Regarding the count based in part on the loaded pistol from the McCarty residence, the State proved the firearm was loaded based on the testimony of the owner who stated that he knew the pistol was loaded when it disappeared from his residence. The State notes that testimony from only one witness is sufficient to prove a fact. State v. Merrick, 2000 MT 124, ¶ 13, 299 Mont. 472, ¶ 13, 2 P.3d 242, ¶ 13. Having reviewed the testimony, we hold that the State met its burden to prove Ray was in possession of a loaded firearm during the course of one of the burglaries. Therefore, regarding this conviction for aggravated burglary, the District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Ray's motion for a directed verdict. ¶ 58 Regarding the other conviction for aggravated burglary, the State failed to prove that any of the other firearms were loaded. Therefore, the District Court abused its discretion when it denied Ray's motion for a directed verdict. At this point, Ray asserts the entire conviction must be reversed. Alternatively, the State argues that Ray's conviction should be reduced from aggravated burglary to burglary. We agree with the State. On appeal, this Court may reduce the offense for which an appellant was convicted to a lesser included offense. State v. Stevens, 2002 MT 181, ¶ 54, 311 Mont. 52, ¶ 54, 53 P.3d 356, ¶ 54; § 46-20-703(3), MCA. As the State met all the other elements for burglary in this case, we hold that Ray's conviction for aggravated burglary is hereby reduced to burglary and we remand to the District Court for resentencing on this conviction.