Opinion ID: 2240169
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, we look only to the probative evidence supporting the verdict and the reasonable inferences therefrom to determine whether a reasonable trier of fact could conclude that the defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If so, we will affirm the conviction. Loyd v. State (1980), 272 Ind. 404, 398 N.E.2d 1260, cert. denied, 449 U.S. 881, 101 S.Ct. 231, 66 L.Ed.2d 105. Appellant argues that the State failed to prove that the substance sold to Kelly was heroin. Chemical analysis of the bindle showing it to contain heroin would constitute direct proof of this element of the crime and has been found to be sufficient. Hunt v. State (1984), Ind., 459 N.E.2d 730. Of course, such proof was impossible in this case because Kelly had swallowed the evidence. Even though the contraband is not recovered, the identity of a drug can be proven by circumstantial evidence. Warthan v. State (1982), Ind., 440 N.E.2d 657; Copeland v. State (1982), Ind. App., 430 N.E.2d 393. The type of circumstantial evidence usually contemplated is the testimony of someone experienced with the drug who identifies the substance. See e.g., Thorne v. State (1973), 260 Ind. 70, 292 N.E.2d 607. In fact, convictions supported by circumstantial evidence have relied on the testimony of past drug users who actually ingested the drug in question and identified it based on its effects. Id. To affirm a conviction based on this type of circumstantial evidence, the evidence must consist of the opinion testimony of someone sufficiently experienced with the drug. Slettvet v. State (1972), 258 Ind. 312, 280 N.E.2d 806. This does not mean that proof by circumstantial evidence is within the exclusive realm of experienced drug users; other circumstantial evidence may be sufficient. Visual identification of the drug alone, though not per se insufficient, has never been held sufficient to support a conviction in Indiana. Copeland, 430 N.E.2d 393. In those cases finding visual identification insufficient, the unidentified substance had no distinctive appearance. Warthen, 440 N.E.2d 657; Copeland, 430 N.E.2d 393. In this case, the officers identified the distinctive appearance of the substance as resembling a bindle of heroin. In addition to this visual identification, the conviction is supported by Kelly's statement that the heroin was purchased for his girlfriend and even more substantially supported by Clifton's possession of seven similar bindles, all containing heroin. The jury could reasonably infer that the bindle swallowed by Kelly also contained heroin. The verdict is supported by sufficient evidence.