Opinion ID: 2566681
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Possession of a firearm by a felon

Text: {51} It is unlawful for a felon to receive, transport or possess any firearm ... in this state. Section 30-7-16(A). There being no dispute that Defendant, in the preceding ten years, had been convicted and sentenced to one or more years imprisonment, the State was required to prove that Defendant possessed a firearm at some point during the criminal episode. See UJI 14-701 NMRA 2004 (defining elements of possession of a firearm by a felon). Hoff did not at any time see Defendant holding a firearm. Young's statement that he saw Defendant at one time holding the gun provides the only direct evidence that Defendant possessed a firearm. Further, Defendant expressly denied ever holding a firearm, providing evidence directly contradicting the State's otherwise circumstantial case. Young's statement providing both (1) the only direct evidence offered at trial that Defendant possessed a firearm and (2) strong circumstantial evidence from which it may be reasonably inferred that Defendant possessed a firearm, Young's statement almost surely contributed to this verdict. Therefore, its erroneous admission was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.