Opinion ID: 2160058
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: motion: directed verdict or dismissal

Text: Section 28-507 defines the crime of burglary: A person commits burglary if such person willfully, maliciously, and forcibly breaks and enters any real estate or any improvements erected thereon with intent to commit any felony or with intent to steal property of any value. Watkins' motion for a directed verdict of acquittal or dismissal of the charge against him was properly overruled. In a criminal case a court can direct a verdict only when (1) there is a complete failure of evidence to establish an essential element of the crime charged, or (2) evidence is so doubtful in character, lacking probative value, that a finding of guilt based on such evidence cannot be sustained. State v. Clancy, 224 Neb. 492, 501, 398 N.W.2d 710, 717 (1987). See, also, State v. Brown, 225 Neb. 418, 405 N.W.2d 600 (1987). On a defendant's motion to dismiss for insufficient evidence of the crime charged against such defendant, the State is entitled to have all its relevant evidence accepted or treated as true, every controverted fact as favorably resolved for the State, and every beneficial inference reasonably deducible from the evidence. Cf. Rahmig v. Mosley Machinery Co., 226 Neb. 423, 412 N.W.2d 56 (1987). Without repeating the facts, there is relevant evidence from the officers and Watkins which establishes each of the elements of burglary, § 28-507, namely, that Watkins willfully, maliciously, and forcibly broke and entered the Arndt house and had the intent to steal property located inside that dwelling.