Opinion ID: 2101774
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Driving Element

Text: In State v. Fuchs, 219 N.W.2d 842, 844 (N.D.1974), we said that the driving element of Section 39-08-01, N.D.C.C., may be established by circumstantial evidence. Hanson contends the circumstantial evidence produced at trial was insufficient to support a conclusion that he was driving a vehicle. Our role in reviewing convictions based on circumstantial evidence is well settled: [A]t the trial level, circumstantial evidence must be conclusive and must exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence, but on the appellate court level the role of the Supreme Court is merely to review the record to determine if there is competent evidence that allows the jury to draw an inference reasonably tending to prove guilt, and fairly warranting a conviction. State v. McMorrow, 286 N.W.2d 284, 287 (N.D.1979); State v. Schuler, 243 N.W.2d 367, 371 (N.D.1976); State v. Allen, 237 N.W.2d 154, 161 (N.D.1975). State v. Hilsman, 333 N.W.2d 411, 414 (N.D.1983). Considering the evidence in this case in a light most favorable to the verdict, we find substantial evidence exists to support Hanson's conviction for driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Officer Andersen testified, utilizing photographs of the scene of the accident depicting tire tracks left by the pickup in the snow-covered ditch, that the driver and pickup, traveling east, entered the ditch from the westbound lane of the highway. The pickup was registered to Hanson. Officer Andersen was informed that one male subject was injured in the accident. Hanson's parents told Officer Andersen that they were the parents of the injured party. Hanson was apparently injured. Deputy Peterson observed the ambulance arrive at the hospital with Hanson. There was no evidence that anyone else drove the vehicle or was seen in the vicinity at the crucial time. Accordingly, the judgment of conviction is affirmed. VANDE WALLE, PEDERSON, GIERKE and SAND, JJ., concur.