Opinion ID: 1999189
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: In reviewing defendant's contention that there was not sufficient credible evidence to support the conviction it must be remembered that on appeal all that must be shown is that there is any credible evidence which could convince the trier of fact of defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The crime with which defendant was charged, uttering a forged check, has two elements: first, that the person utter as genuine or possess with intent to utter as false or genuine any forged writing, and second, that the person know that the writing has been falsely made or altered, sec. 943.38 (2), Stats. In the present case defendant endorsed a forged check made payable to her. There is no question but that the check passed by defendant was stolen and forged. The issue raised is whether the evidence demonstrated that she knew the check was forged. There was a conflict in testimony. A police detective testified that defendant, after waiving her constitutional rights, had admitted that she knew the check was forged. Defendant denied this knowledge. Thus the question is simply one of credibility. The trial court believed the police officer and disbelieved the defendant. We have no doubt that the testimony of the police officer, if believed, was sufficient to prove the second element of crime beyond a reasonable doubt. There is clearly sufficient evidence to support the conviction. By the Court. Judgment affirmed.