Opinion ID: 1571491
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Weight-of-the-Evidence Argument.

Text: As an alternative argument, defendant contends that, if it is found that the evidence was sufficient to show intent to deliver, that finding would be against the weight of the evidence presented. This issue was raised in the district court in a motion for new trial based on Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.24(2)( b )(6). In acting on such motions, the district court has considerable discretion. State v. Ellis, 578 N.W.2d 655, 659 (Iowa 1998). We review both a grant and a denial of relief based on a weight-of-the-evidence claim for an abuse of discretion. State v. Reeves, 670 N.W.2d 199, 202 (Iowa 2003). The granting of a new trial based on the conclusion that a verdict is against the weight of the evidence is reserved for those situations in which there is reason to believe that critical evidence has been ignored in the fact-finding process. In the present case, all of the evidence presented was carefully reviewed by the district court in its findings of fact. There is no basis for concluding that any critical piece of evidence was ignored in the trial court's decision process. The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant's claim that its decision was against the weight of the evidence. We have considered all issues presented and conclude that the decision of the court of appeals and the judgment of the district court should be affirmed. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS AND JUDGMENT OF DISTRICT COURT AFFIRMED.