Opinion ID: 1937611
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: whether the trial court erred in denying appellant's motion for a change of venue.

Text: Martin contends that every prospective juror in this case had heard of the facts of the case prior to trial. He contends that prejudice existed in the minds of the jurors sufficient to raise a reasonable apprehension that Martin could not receive a fair and impartial trial. Whether a change of venue should be granted is a matter within the sound discretion of the trial court, and we will not disturb the trial court's decision unless there is an abuse of discretion. State v. Weatherford, 416 N.W.2d 47 (S.D.1987). See also SDCL 15-5-11 and 23A-17-5. The test for change of venue is prejudice in the minds of the county residents sufficient to raise a reasonable apprehension that the accused will not receive a fair and impartial trial. State v. Lohnes, 432 N.W.2d 77 (S.D.1988); State v. Brandenburg, 344 N.W.2d 702 (S.D.1984). We presume the defendant can receive a fair trial in the county where the offense was committed. Lohnes, supra ; Weatherford, supra . Pretrial publicity alone is not enough to deny a fair trial or, to warrant a change of venue. Weatherford, supra ; State v. Luna, 378 N.W.2d 229 (S.D.1985). Courts have acknowledged that prospective jurors will have some knowledge of pending criminal cases by the pervasive influence of the communications media. Weatherford, supra . There must be additional evidence tending to show that such publicity was so prejudicial as to prevent the defendant from receiving a fair and impartial trial in the county. Id.; Brandenburg, supra ; United States v. Buttorff, 572 F.2d 619 (8th Cir.1978) cert. denied 437 U.S. 906, 98 S.Ct. 3095, 57 L.Ed.2d 1136 (1978). Martin simply has not met his burden to overcome the presumption of a fair trial nor has he produced evidence to provide a sufficient basis for a change of venue. Affirmed.