Opinion ID: 2637039
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: Next, Dean argues that his conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence. Our standard of review is whether, after review of all the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, we are convinced that a rational factfinder could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Mason, 268 Kan. 37, 39, 986 P.2d 387 (1999). If the essential elements of the charges are supported by any competent evidence, the convictions must stand. State v. Adams, 269 Kan. 681, 684, 8 P.3d 724 (2000). A conviction of even the gravest offense may be sustained by circumstantial evidence. State v. Wimbley, 271 Kan. 843, Syl. ¶ 2, 26 P.3d 657 (2001). K.S.A. 2001 Supp. 21-3710 provides, in pertinent part: (a) Forgery is knowingly and with intent to defraud: (1) Making, altering or endorsing any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made, altered or endorsed by another person, either real or fictitious, and if a real person without the authority of such person; or altering any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made at another time or with different provisions without the authority of the maker thereof; or making, altering or endorsing any written instrument in such manner that it purports to have been made, altered or endorsed with the authority of one who did not give such authority; (2) issuing or delivering such written instrument knowing it to have been thus made, altered or endorsed. Dean was charged with violating subsection (2). Ritchie testified that he did not endorse the check and denied giving anyone, including Dean, permission to endorse the check. According to Ritchie, the name on the back of the check was not written in his handwriting. Dean argues that there was no evidence that the signature on the back of the check did not match Ritchie's handwriting, nor was evidence offered to show that the signature did match Dean's handwriting. Repeatedly arguing that Ritchie lacked credibility, Dean notes that the only evidence about who endorsed the check came from Ritchie, the alleged victim. We do not reweigh the testimony or pass on the credibility of witnesses. State v. Orr, 262 Kan. 312, 322, 940 P.2d 42 (1997). The record shows that Dean saw the check in Ritchie's shirt pocket. Ritchie and Dean were together at the bus station when the check was stolen from Ritchie. Ritchie last saw Dean running off in the direction of a bank. When the police arrived at the scene, Ritchie appeared visibly shaken and had trouble breathing. EMS workers gave him oxygen. Dean told his mother that he won the check while playing poker in prison. According to Ritchie, the signature was not his. Also, Dean and his mother cashed the check at a bank shortly after it was taken from Ritchie. There was sufficient evidence, when viewed in a light most favorable to the State, to convince us that a rational factfinder could have found Dean guilty of forgery beyond a reasonable doubt.