Opinion ID: 1924144
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: [6] Gaudesi contends that the evidence adduced at trial was not sufficient to support the verdict. When sufficiency of the evidence is challenged, the test is whether this court can conclude that the trier of fact could reasonably be convinced that the defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reversal is only required when the evidence considered most favorably to the state and the conviction is so insufficient in probative value and force that it can be said as a matter of law that no trier of facts acting reasonably could be convinced to that degree of certitude which the law defines as `beyond a reasonable doubt.' State v. Burkman, 96 Wis. 2d at 643. [7] In the instant case Deputy Sheriff Hillman's testimony tended to prove both elements of sec. 346.63(1), Stats. He stated that he saw Gaudesi drive erratically. He also testified that Gaudesi's breath had an odor of alcohol, his speech was slurred, his balance was poor, his eyes were red and glassy, and he failed three sobriety tests. On the basis of these factors, Deputy Sheriff Hillman opined that Gaudesi was intoxicated. In Burkman we held that very similar evidence was sufficient to prove that the defendant was driving while under the influence of an intoxicant. We come to the same conclusion in this case. Viewing the evidence most favorably to the state and the conviction, we cannot conclude as a matter of law that no trier of fact could be convinced that Gaudesi was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, we hold that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury verdict.