Opinion ID: 1680354
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Motion for J.N.O.V., or Alternatively, Motion for a New Trial

Text: ¶ 12. Foster moved for a directed verdict at the close of the State's case-in-chief. The trial court denied Foster's motion. Foster also made a post-trial motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, or alternatively, motion for a new trial, and the trial court also denied that motion. ¶ 13. The standard of review for a denial of a directed verdict and a motion for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict is the same. Steele v. Inn of Vicksburg, Inc., 697 So.2d 373, 376 (Miss.1997). We employ de novo review of a trial court's decision regarding a motion for directed verdict. Fulton v. Robinson Indus., Inc., 664 So.2d 170, 172 (Miss.1995). As such, we examine the evidence in the record in the same light as the trial court. Id. We consider the record at the last time the trial court had the issue before it here, on the motion for J.N.O.V. ¶ 14. Denials of peremptory instructions, motions for directed verdict and motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict each challenge the legal sufficiency of the evidence presented at trial and each are reviewed under the same standard. Community Bank v. Courtney, 884 So.2d 767, 772 (Miss.2004). This Court has held that under its standard of review, denial must be reviewed as follows: This Court will consider the evidence in the light most favorable to the appellee, giving that party the benefit of all favorable inference that may be reasonably drawn from the evidence. If the facts so considered points so overwhelmingly in favor of the appellant that reasonable men could not have arrived at a contrary verdict, we are required to reverse and render. On the other hand if there is substantial evidence in support of the verdict, that is, evidence of such quality and weight that reasonable and fair minded jurors in the exercise of impartial judgment might have reached different conclusions, affirmance is required. Id. ¶ 15. Foster argues that the trial court erred in denying of his motion for J.N.O.V., or in the alternative, for a new trial since the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. This Court has made a distinction between the review of the denial of a motion for J.N.O.V. based on the legal sufficiency of the evidence and review of a motion for new trial based on the weight of the evidence.
¶ 16. Foster was convicted of armed robbery (Count I) and aggravated assault (Count II). Miss.Code Ann. § 97-3-79 defines robbery with use of a deadly weapon as: Every person who shall feloniously take or attempt to take from the person or from the presence the personal property of another and against his will by violence to his person or by putting such person in fear of immediate injury to his person by the exhibition of a deadly weapon shall be guilty of robbery ... Miss.Code Ann. § 97-3-7(2) sets forth the elements of aggravated assault. The statute states, in part: A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he (a) attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely, knowingly or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; or (b) attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm ... (emphasis added). ¶ 17. On the issue of the legal sufficiency of the evidence, this Court held in Pinkney v. State, 538 So.2d 329, 353 (Miss.1988), vacated on other grounds, 494 U.S. 1075, 110 S.Ct. 1800, 108 L.Ed.2d 931 (1990), that reversal can only occur when evidence of one or more of the elements of the charged offense is such that reasonable and fair minded jurors could only find the accused not guilty. (quoting Wetz v. State, 503 So.2d 803, 808 (Miss.1987)). A motion for J.N.O.V. challenges the legal sufficiency of the evidence. McClain v. State, 625 So.2d 774, 778 (Miss.1993). [T]his Court properly reviews the ruling on the last occasion the challenge was made in the trial court. Id. at 778. Here, this occurred when the trial court denied Foster's motion for J.N.O.V. See id. ¶ 18. In the case sub judice, the State proved the elements of armed robbery and attempted aggravated assault against Foster. In his testimony, Dukes identified Foster as the individual that robbed him at gunpoint and fired at him shooting his car several times with him inside the car. Dukes testified that he on two occasions that evening had given Foster a ride. Dukes testified that Foster ordered him at gunpoint to give him his billfold and searched through his car hunting anything of value. He ordered Dukes to leave his car. Dukes testified that he was scared for his life. When Foster bent down, Dukes jumped into his car and drove away. Foster repeatedly shot at him as he left. Dukes did not know Foster's name, but he identified him from a lineup. ¶ 19. Robinson's testimony confirmed that Dukes had a flat tire, and there was an exchange between Dukes and another individual. Robinson testified that he became scared and left. As he left, he heard gunshots. The evidence demonstrates that the elements of armed robbery and attempted aggravated assault were met in this case.
¶ 20. A motion for new trial challenges the weight of the evidence. Sheffield v. State, 749 So.2d 123, 127 (Miss. 1999). A reversal is warranted only if the trial court abused its discretion in denying a motion for new trial. Id. ¶ 21. The Court weighs the evidence in the light that is most favorable to the jury verdict. Bush v. State, 895 So.2d 836, 844 (Miss.2005). This Court has held that a new trial will not be given unless the verdict is so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence that an unconscionable injustice would occur by allowing the verdict to stand. Groseclose v. State, 440 So.2d 297, 300 (Miss.1983). However, if a jury verdict convicting a defendant is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, then the remedy is to grant a new trial. Collier v. State, 711 So.2d 458, 461 (Miss.1998). ¶ 22. In the case sub judice, the verdict is consistent with the weight of the evidence, and no new trial is warranted. The jury heard the testimony from all the witnesses and heard Foster's alibi defense. The victim clearly identified Foster and described what occurred. The jury rejected the defense and found Foster guilty of armed robbery and attempted aggravated assault. ¶ 23. We find that this assignment of error without merit.