Opinion ID: 462724
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Alleged Conflicting Verdicts

Text: 30 Appellant was convicted on two counts of a four count indictment. One count for distribution of heroin on September 20, 1983, and one count for conspiracy to distribute heroin on August 15, 1983. The jury was unable to reach a decision on the substantive count of heroin distribution which occurred on August 15, 1983, and a mistrial was declared by the Court as to that count. Appellant argues that the verdicts rendered by the jury are inconsistent under the circumstances and that such inconsistency requires reversal. 31 Since the jury did not reach a verdict and did not acquit on the substantive count relating to the August 15, 1983 transaction, technically we need not reach appellant's contention that the jury rendered inconsistent verdicts. But even if the jury had acquitted as to the distribution charge, the crimes charged involve proof of different elements. Therefore, the verdicts are not necessarily inconsistent. In all events, however, each count of an indictment constitutes a separate offense, and consistency in the verdict is not required. Dunn v. United States, 284 U.S. 390, 393, 52 S.Ct. 189, 190, 76 L.Ed. 356 (1932). United States v. Powell, --- U.S. ----, 105 S.Ct. 471, 83 L.Ed.2d 461 (1984); United States v. Swafford, 766 F.2d 426, 430 (10th Cir.1985); Speers v. United States, 387 F.2d 698 (10th Cir.1967), cert. denied, 391 U.S. 934, 88 S.Ct. 1844, 20 L.Ed.2d 853 (1968); Maxfield v. United States, 360 F.2d 97, 99 (10th Cir.1966). 32 The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. 33 AFFIRMED.