Opinion ID: 179524
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Flight Jury Instruction

Text: District courts have broad discretion in crafting jury instructions as long as the charge accurately reflects the law and the facts. United States v. Kennard, 472 F.3d 851, 854 (11th Cir. 2006). “Evidence of flight is admissible to demonstrate consciousness of guilt and thereby guilt.” United States v. Blakey, 960 F.2d 996, 1000 (11th Cir. 1992). This Court has consistently upheld jury instructions on the use of flight evidence. See, e.g., United States v. Borders, 693 F.2d 1318, 1327-28 (11th Cir. 1982).2 Winfrey does not argue that the flight jury instruction misstated the law. Instead, Winfrey contends that the instruction was improper because there was no evidence of a car chase in the Monte Carlo. While Winfrey did not attempt to evade police in the Monte Carlo (and was probably unaware he was being followed by Detective Deaton’s unmarked car), once the Monte Carlo was surrounded by patrol cars, Winfrey jumped from the car and attempted to run on 2 We review de novo whether the district court’s jury instruction misstated the law or misled the jury to the defendant’s prejudice. United States v. Deleveaux, 205 F.3d 1292, 1296 (11th Cir. 2000). In so doing, “we look at the entire jury charge in the context of the trial record.” Id. Even if a jury charge is erroneous, we will reverse a conviction and remand for a new trial only “when a reasonable likelihood exists that the jury applied the instruction in an improper manner.” United States v. Chirinos, 112 F.3d 1089, 1096 (11th Cir. 1997) (quotation marks omitted). 9 foot. Detective Deaton and Officer Vickers both testified that Winfrey exited the Monte Carlo and ran, but was immediately apprehended. This evidence was sufficient to warrant the jury instruction on flight.