Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Ward v. State

The officer's testimony that the defendant led him on a car chase that began and ended in Fulton county was sufficient to prove venue on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Demario Ward was charged with theft by receiving a stolen motor vehicle and fleeing or attempting to elude police officers. He was tried before a Fulton County jury, which found him guilty of fleeing or attempting to elude, but not guilty of theft by receiving. Ward appeals, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence establishing venue in Fulton County. The challenge is without merit, and we therefore affirm his conviction. Venue for the trial of a criminal case lies in the county where the crime was allegedly committed.1 Venue is a jurisdictional fact which, like all other material allegations, must be proved by the state beyond a reasonable doubt.2 Both direct and circumstantial evidence may establish venue.3

In the instant case, an Atlanta police officer testified that he was in his marked patrol vehicle when he first saw Ward in a stolen Ford Escape at the intersection of Ashby Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. He testified that the intersection is in Atlanta and within Fulton County. He immediately began following the vehicle and called for backup units to assist him. The officer also activated a video camera in his car and taped his pursuit of Ward.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards 2025
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
DEPUTY PORT ATTORNEY III

DEPUTY PORT ATTORNEY III Oakland, CA Salary: $17,294 - $21,419/month, 37.5-hr work week Your Port. Your Community. Your Career. Whe...


Apply Now ›
NJ Foreclosure Attorney

Stern, Lavinthal & Frankenberg, LLC, is seeking a foreclosure attorney experienced in the NJ and/or NY foreclosure process and default l...


Apply Now ›
Defense Attorney

Mineola defense firm seeks attorneys with 3-5 years of actual insurance defense experience to handle complex general liability matters. Sala...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs