Coyle

People v. Coyle

Good Law
204 Cal. App. 3d 1·251 Cal. Rptr. 80
Court of Appeal of CaliforniaJune 21, 1988170302California866 words

Opinion

Opinion

Appellant was cited for violating Vehicle Code section 27315 (failure to wear a seat belt). After a trial by court, he was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $15. He appeals.

Appellant raises two arguments: 1) that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of guilt and 2) that the mandatory seat belt law is unconstitutional.

We first address the issue of the sufficiency of the evidence. (1) When a finding of fact is attacked on grounds that it is not supported by substantial evidence, the power of an appellate court begins and ends with a determination as to whether there is any substantial evidence, contradicted or uncontradicted, which will support the findings. The reviewing court looks to the evidence supporting the successful party and must disregard any contrary showing. ( In re Cheryl E. (1984) 161 Cal. App.3d 587, 598 [ 207 Cal. Rptr. 728 ].)

(2) The evidence in the record shows that the officer who issued the citation testified that he will only cite a person for not wearing a seat belt if he actually sees the person not wearing a seat belt. Appellant in his own testimony vowed that he will never wear a seat belt. At trial he…

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