Opinion ID: 461308
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: instructions on intent

Text: 12 Dr. Hoffner also alleges that the jury instructions concerning intent were ambiguous, left the jury confused, and allowed the jury to convict without realizing that specific intent must accompany any violation of 21 C.F.R. 1306.04(a)--(prescribing without a legitimate medical purpose). Dr. Hoffner's counsel offered her preferred version of jury instructions but this version was not selected by the trial court when the jury was charged. 13 A defendant is entitled to instructions which fairly present his theory of the case. United States v. Hudler, 605 F.2d 488, 490 (10th Cir.), cert. denied 445 U.S. 961, 100 S.Ct. 1647, 64 L.Ed.2d 236 (1979). However, the exact language requested by the defendant need not be given. United States v. Muse, 708 F.2d 513, 515-16 (10th Cir.1983). It is enough that the instructions as a whole give an accurate statement of the law. United States v. Rothbart, 723 F.2d 752, 754 (10th Cir.1983). 14 The trial court enumerated all of the essential elements of the charged offenses. The jury was instructed that the government had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted knowingly and intentionally in relation to each count before a guilty verdict could be returned. Additionally, the court explained the terms embodied in the indictment. The terms distribute, delivery, specific intent, and knowingly were defined. We conclude that the jury instructions, taken as a whole, correctly charged the jury and did not result in misunderstanding or confusion. 15 AFFIRMED.