State v. Vonluehrte, Unpublished Decision (6-18-2003)
State v. Vonluehrte, Unpublished Decision (6-18-2003)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 2} Defendant-appellant Cynthia Vonluehrte appeals from her conviction, following a bench trial, for passing a bad check in violation of R.C.
{¶ 3} To reverse on a claim of insufficient evidence, this court must conclude, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, that no rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.1 With respect to the sufficiency of the evidence, questions regarding the credibility of witnesses are left to the trier of fact.2 To reverse on the manifest weight of the evidence, we must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of the witnesses, and determine whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice.3
{¶ 4} R.C.
{¶ 5} Vonluehrte testified at trial that she had told the victim, Dayle Donithan, not to deposit the check until at least February 11, 2002, because there were no funds in her checking account. Donithan testified that Vonluehrte had told her not to cash the check until January 29, 2002, three days from the date on the check. The record shows that Donithan deposited the check on January 29, 2002. With respect to the conflicting testimony, the trier of fact had the discretion to believe that one party's testimony was more credible. Further, the record demonstrates that Vonluehrte had maintained a negative balance in her checking account from mid-December 2001 until the account was closed on February 1, 2002 and had known that fifteen of her previous checks issued to others had been dishonored for insufficient funds prior to the $1000 check given to Donithan.
{¶ 6} Under these circumstances, we hold that there was sufficient evidence to support the element of intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, we hold that Vonluehrte's conviction for passing a bad check was supported by sufficient evidence and was not against the weight of the evidence. The single assignment of error is overruled, and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
{¶ 7} Further, a certified copy of this Judgment Entry shall constitute the mandate, which shall be sent to the trial court under App.R. 27. Costs shall be taxed under App.R. 24.
Sundermann, P.J., Hildebrandt and Gorman, JJ.
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