768 S.E.2d 270
Va. Ct. App.2015Background
- Jones was convicted of felony eluding under Code § 46.2-817(B).
- On March 31, 2011, Arlington officers stopped a vehicle after observing DUI indicators.
- Appellant initially stopped in a 7-Eleven parking lot but drove away with officers still partly inside the vehicle.
- Officers maintained visible signals (lights and sirens) and attempted to retrieve keys.
- Appellant drove off at high speed, endangering officers and causing a pursuable encounter in which officers sustained physical risk.
- The issue is whether sufficient evidence supported felony eluding under the statute.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether evidence supported felony eluding under 46.2-817(B). | Jones argues initial stop negates 46.2-817(B). | Jones drove with willful disregard of signals, endangering officers. | Yes; the evidence showed willful disregard and endangerment. |
Key Cases Cited
- Beasley v. Commonwealth, 60 Va. App. 381 (Va. App. 2012) (standards for reviewing sufficiency of evidence in appeals)
- Riner v. Commonwealth, 268 Va. 296 (Va. 2004) (reliance on reviewing the record in light most favorable to Commonwealth)
- Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1969) (standard for sufficiency review: whether any rational trier of fact could find guilt beyond reasonable doubt)
- Kelly v. Commonwealth, 41 Va. App. 250 (Va. App. 2003) (en banc decision on standard of review for sufficiency)
- Maxwell v. Commonwealth, 275 Va. 437 (Va. 2008) (clarifies appellate sufficiency analysis)
- Hamilton v. Commonwealth, 61 Va. App. 542 (Va. App. 2013) (statutory interpretation review de novo)