State of Louisiana v. Cameron Williams

Summary

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit, reviewed Cameron Williams's conviction for battery of a police officer under La. R.S. 14:34.2. The court held that the evidence was sufficient under the Jackson v. Virginia standard and affirmed the conviction and sentence.

Holdings

1. The evidence was sufficient because a rational trier of fact, viewing it in the light most favorable to the prosecution, could find beyond a reasonable doubt that Williams committed a nonconsensual battery against a commissioned police officer whom he had reasonable grounds to believe was acting in the performance of his duty.
2. The appellate court may not reverse a conviction merely because the evidence was conflicting or because it might assess witness credibility differently from the trial court.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the evidence was sufficient to support Williams's conviction for battery of a police officer under La. R.S. 14:34.2.
2. Whether the appellate court could overturn the conviction by reassessing the credibility of the witnesses.

Disposition

affirmed