{ "id": 8555412, "name": "STATE OF NORTH CAROTINA v. JOHNNT REUBEN JONES", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Jones", "decision_date": "1969-01-15", "docket_number": "No. 6818SC448", "first_page": "455", "last_page": "459", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "3 N.C. App. 455" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C. Ct. App.", "id": 14983, "name": "North Carolina Court of Appeals" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "284 U.S. 390", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 5718921 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1931, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/284/0390-01" ] }, { "cite": "255 F. 2d 341", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 681804 ], "year": 1958, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/255/0341-01" ] }, { "cite": "1 S.E. 2d 104", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "214 N.C. 787", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8633025 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/214/0787-01" ] }, { "cite": "144 S.E. 2d 633", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "265 N.C. 597", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8576496 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/265/0597-01" ] }, { "cite": "144 S.E. 299", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "196 N.C. 1", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8622759 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/196/0001-01" ] }, { "cite": "144 S.E. 2d 578", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "265 N.C. 512", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8575974 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/265/0512-01" ] }, { "cite": "149 S.E. 2d 579", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "268 N.C. 33", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8560057 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/268/0033-01" ] }, { "cite": "157 S.E. 2d 225", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "271 N.C. 600", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8565985 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/271/0600-01" ] }, { "cite": "153 S.E.. 2d 741", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "270 N.C. 25", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8565060 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/270/0025-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 441, "char_count": 8937, "ocr_confidence": 0.563, "pagerank": { "raw": 2.5468089885299524e-07, "percentile": 0.8139573002132556 }, "sha256": "5700823f403d3753de726c11e0ee6e674d0c21c42180ca91c515fc3d898fafe4", "simhash": "1:86adc3422b77d7da", "word_count": 1552 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T16:33:22.618564+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "MallaRD, C.J., and Campbell, J., concur." ], "parties": [ "STATE OF NORTH CAROTINA v. JOHNNT REUBEN JONES" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "MORRIS, J.\nDefendant assigns as error and contends that the trial court committed error in denying defendant\u2019s motion for judgment as of non-suit. When the evidence is considered in the light most favorable to the State, as we are required to do, State v. Bell, 270 N.C. 25, 153 S.E.. 2d 741, we are of the opinion that there was ample evidence for submission of the case to the jury.\nThe State offered evidence which in substance tends to show that the defendant and two other persons unlawfully entered the place of business of the prosecuting witness in High Point, on th\u00e9 date alleged, and that property of the prosecuting witness was taken therefrom of the value of over two hundred dollars. The actual breaking was done by the other two persons. The property taken included tools, wrenches, and some money. The defendant, \u201cshortly\u201d after the larceny of the property, was in possession thereof and gave to the investigating officers some of the tools of the value of over two hundred dollars which had been stolen on that occasion. Defendant received some money that had been stolen from the place of business. The defendant was charged with the larceny of some of the property taken but was not charged with the larceny of any money.\nThe defendant offered evidence which in substance tends to show that at the time alleged he was drunk and took no part in the breaking, entering, or larceny. The property stolen on this occasion from Mr. Lovett\u2019s building was stolen by defendant\u2019s brother and another person, and they hid the tools, which the defendant later recovered and gave to the officers.\nThe conflict in the evidence was for the jury. The jury has held against the defendant. The charge of the court was not excepted to and is not before us. When there is no exception to the charge, it is presumed that the court correctly and adequately charged the jury on the law and evidence in the case. State v. Staten, 271 N.C. 600, 157 S.E. 2d 225; Long v. Honeycutt, 268 N.C. 33, 149 S.E. 2d 579. While there was no mention in the record as to what disposition was made of the count of receiving, the rule is that when a verdict of guilty refers to one of the counts in a bill of indictment, but not to all, that upon the acceptance of the verdict it amounts to an acquittal on the counts not referred to. 3 Strong, N. C. Index 2d, Criminal Law, \u00a7 124.\nDefendant contends that there was a variance between the indictment and proof in that the evidence shows that the defendant got some of the stolen money but that he was not charged with the larceny of the money. This contention is without merit. The evidence shows that the defendant was in possession of the property \u201cshortly\u201d after it was stolen. The doctrine of recent possession is applicable. State v. Allison, 265 N.C. 512, 144 S.E. 2d 578; State v. White, 196 N.C. 1, 144 S.E. 299.\nThe defendant also contends that \u201cthe State would have to show that what the defendant received amounted to more than $200.00 before the court could pronounce a sentence of 3 years which is more than allowed for a misdemeanor.\u201d- This contention is also without merit. The jury found the defendant not guilty of the first count of breaking and entering, but on the second count the verdict was \u201cguilty as charged in the bill of indictment.\u201d In the second count it is charged that on the date alleged the defendant, \u201cafter having unlawfully, wilfully and feloniously broken into and entered a certain storehouse, shop, warehouse, dwelling house, banking house, countinghouse and building occupied by one Wesley Lovett, trading and doing business as J & W Frame Works with intent to steal, take and carry away the merchandise /chattels, money, valuable securities and other personal property located therein, one Craftman electric drill, valued at $60.00; a Black-Decker Electric screwdriver, valued at $50.00; one air nailing machine, valued at $200.00 of the total value of Three Hundred Ten and No/100 dollars, of the goods, chattels and moneys of the said Wesley Lovett, trading and doing business as J & W Frame Works then and there being found unlawfully, wilfully and feloniously did steal, take and carry away, contrary to the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the State.\u201d\nLarceny of any property of another of any value after breaking and entering in violation of G.S. 14-54 is a felony. The larceny of property of the value of more than two hundred dollars is also a felony. G.S. 14-72. The felony of larceny may be punishable by imprisonment for as much as ten years. State v. Morgan, 265 N.C. 597, 144 S.E. 2d 633.\nThere was an intimation but no specific contention in the brief that the verdicts on the first and second counts were inconsistent. However, the rule with respect to inconsistent verdicts on different counts in a bill of indictment is succinctly stated in 3 Strong, N. C. Index 2d, Criminal Law, \u00a7 124, as follows:\n\u201cIt is not required that the verdict be consistent; therefore, a verdict of guilty of a lesser degree of the crime when all the evidence points to the graver crime, although illogical and incongruous, or a verdict of guilty on one count and not guilty on the other, when the same act results in both offenses, will not be disturbed.\u201d\nThe Supreme Court in an opinion written by Justice Barnhill (Later C.J.) in the case of State v. Davis, 214 N.C. 787, 1 S.E. 2d 104, said: \u201cIn any event, a jury is not required to be consistent and mere inconsistency will not invalidate the verdict.\u201d\nIn Grant v. United States, 255 F. 2d 341 (6th Cir. 1958), it is said: \u201cWhen at the same trial, a jury renders inconsistent verdicts of acquittal and conviction, the inconsistency is immaterial and the conviction will stand.\u201d Also in Dunn v. United States, 284 U.S. 390, 76 L. Ed. 356 (1931), Mr. Justice Holmes, speaking for the Court, said: \u201cConsistency in the verdict is not necessary. Each count in an indictment is regarded as if it was a separate indictment.\u201d\nThe judgment of the Superior Court is\nAffirmed.\nMallaRD, C.J., and Campbell, J., concur.", "type": "majority", "author": "MORRIS, J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Attorney General T. W. Bruton and Staff Attorney Andrew A. Va\u00f1ore, Jr., for the State.", "Sammie Chess, Jr., for the defendant appellant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "STATE OF NORTH CAROTINA v. JOHNNT REUBEN JONES\nNo. 6818SC448\n(Filed 15 January 1969)\n1. Criminal Law \u00a7 158\u2014 appeal and error \u2014 presumption as to matters omitted \u2014 the charge\nWhere the charge is not before the court on appeal, it is presumed that the trial court correctly and adequately charged the jury on the law and evidence in the ease.\n2. Criminal Law \u00a7 124\u2014 guilty verdict on one count\nA verdict of guilty which refers to one of the counts in a bill of indictment, but not to all, amounts to an acquittal on the counts not referred to.\n3. Larceny \u00a7 5\u2014 presumption arising from possession of recently stolen property\nEvidence that defendant was in possession of stolen property shortly after the property was stolen raises a presumption of defendant\u2019s guilt of larceny of such property.\n4. Larceny \u00a7 10\u2014 sentence\nIn prosecution upon indictment charging the larceny of property of a value in excess of $200 by breaking and entering a storehouse, trial court is authorized to impose sentence of three years imprisonment upon verdict that defendant was guilty as charged in the bill of indictment.\n5. Larceny \u00a7 10\u2014 felonious larceny \u2014 punishment\nLarceny of any property of another of any value after breaking and entering, and larceny of property of more than $200 in value, are felonies, each of which may be punishable by imprisonment for as much as ten years.\n6. Criminal Law \u00a7 124\u2014 consistency of verdict\nIt is not required that the verdict be consistent.\n7. Criminal Law \u00a7 124; Larceny \u00a7 9\u2014 return of inconsistent verdict\nDefendant was charged in one count with felonious breaking and entering and in the second count with larceny of property of a value in excess of $200 by breaking and entering a storehouse. The jury\u2019s verdict was not guilty of the first count of felonious breaking and entering but was guilty of the second count as charged in the indictment. Helel: Mere inconsistency will not invalidate the verdict.\nAppeal by defendant from Crissman, J., 3 June 1968 Criminal Session of Superior Court of Guilfoed County, High Point Division.\nDefendant on his plea of not guilty was tried by a jury on a bill of indictment charging him with the felonies of housebreaking, larceny, and receiving.\nThe jury returned a verdict of not guilty as to the first count of breaking and entering and guilty as charged on the second count in the bill of indictment. The second count charged the larceny, after breaking and entering, of one Craftman electric drill, one Black-Decker electric screwdriver, and one air nailing machine, the property of Wesley Lovett valued in excess of two hundred dollars.\nFrom a judgment of imprisonment for a term of three years in the State Prison, defendant appeals, assigning error.\nAttorney General T. W. Bruton and Staff Attorney Andrew A. Va\u00f1ore, Jr., for the State.\nSammie Chess, Jr., for the defendant appellant." }, "file_name": "0455-01", "first_page_order": 475, "last_page_order": 479 }