Opinion ID: 658244
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: 21 There is sufficient evidence to support a conviction if,  'reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.'  United States v. Bishop, 959 F.2d 820, 829 (9th Cir.1992) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)). An appellate reversal of a conviction on the basis of insufficiency of the evidence has the same effect as a judgment of acquittal: the Double Jeopardy Clause precludes retrial. United States v. Bibbero, 749 F.2d 581, 586 (9th Cir.1984), cert. denied, 471 U.S. 1103 (1985). 22 Because 1985 letters were inadmissible either as 404(b) evidence or as direct evidence for the reasons previously stated, then no rational trier of fact could have found the elements of the crimes charged. There was no other evidence introduced at trial to prove intent, knowledge, or identity. The parcels, the Express Mail receipts, and the phone conversations only suggest that Bertuglia and Hildenbrand had contact. Without the light shed by the letters, there is absolutely nothing which suggests that Bertuglia's actions were illegal. Such evidence is not by itself probative of any criminal behavior.