Opinion ID: 1649558
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether the trial judge abused his discretion in denying mallard's motion for a new trial.

Text: ¶ 10. Mallard argues that the evidence was not legally sufficient to sustain her conviction and that the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence. A challenge to the sufficiency of evidence relates to motions for directed verdicts and JNOV. Noe v. State, 616 So.2d 298, 302 (Miss.1993). The standard of review for a motion for directed verdict, requires examining the evidence and all reasonable inferences drawn therefrom most favorably to the State and disregarding all evidence in favor of the defendant, to see if sufficient exists to support a verdict of guilty. Holmes v. State, 660 So.2d 1225, 1227 (Miss.1995). ¶ 11. Mallard argues the confidential informant was not credible and was repeatedly caught in falsehoods and lies. Anthony Harris, the State's confidential informant, positively identified Mallard from a photograph and described the sales transaction. Testimony was presented by a narcotics agent concerning the required searching of Harris before and after the transaction. Two narcotics agents monitored the transaction via a body wire transmitter. The recorded conversation of Mallard selling the marijuana and the lab results confirming the substance purchased as marijuana were admitted into evidence. ¶ 12. While there was only one eyewitness to the actual transaction, there were a total of four witnesses for the State, other than Harris, corroborating various aspects of the marijuana sale. Harris was cross-examined and his credibility was tested before the jury. When an informant testifies in open court and his background is thoroughly explored, it is up to the jury to assess his credibility. Clayton v. State, 582 So.2d 1019, 1021 (Miss. 1991). Viewing the evidence most favorably to the State, there was sufficient evidence to sustain the jury verdict. ¶ 13. Looking at the evidence presented it can be seen that reasonable fair-minded jurors could find Mallard guilty. This Court is authorized to reverse only where with respect to one or more of the elements of the offense charged, the evidence so considered is such that reasonable and fair-minded jurors could only find the accused not guilty. Wetz v. State, 503 So.2d 803, 807-08 (Miss.1987). ¶ 14. A motion for a new trial is discretionary with the trial judge, and we will not order a new trial unless convinced that the verdict is so contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence to allow it to stand would sanction an unconscionable injustice. Lane v. State, 562 So.2d 1235, 1237 (Miss.1990). Mallard bases her arguments for a motion for new trial and verdict against the overwhelming weight of evidence on her trial in absentia and Anthony Harris's testimony which have already been addressed and found without merit.