United States v. Weaver
Opinion
OPINION
Clyde David Weaver appeals his jury convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) (2000), carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1) (2000), and possession of a machine gun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) (2000). Finding no reversible error, we affirm.
Weaver first contends the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to sustain his convictions. To determine whether there was sufficient evidence to support a conviction, this Court considers whether, taking the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government, any reasonable trier of fact could have found the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 80, 62 S.Ct. 457, 86 L.Ed. 680 (1942). This Court does not weigh the evidence or determine the credibility of the witnesses. Rather, the jury verdict must be upheld if there is substantial evidence to support the verdict. Id.; United States v. Murphy, 35 F.3d 143, 148 (4th Cir. 1994). A defendant challenging the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction faces a heavy burden. United States v. Beidler, 110 F.3d 1064, 1067 (4th Cir. 1997). With these standards in mind, we find the evidence was sufficient to support all of the jury convictions.
Weaver next contends the district court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence obtained in a warrantless search of his vehicle. This Court reviews the *285 factual findings underlying the denial of a motion to suppress for clear error, while reviewing the legal determinations de novo. United States v. Rusher, 966 F.2d 868, 873 (4th Cir. 1992). Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government, as we must, see United States v. Seidman, 156 F.3d 542, 547 (4th Cir. 1998), we find the district court did not err in denying Weaver’s motion.
Accordingly, we affirm Weaver’s convictions. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
AFFIRMED.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Clyde David WEAVER, Defendant-Appellant
- Status
- Unpublished