Joiner v. State

Smith, Judge.

Brenda Joiner was convicted following a bench trial in Troup County of DUI and driving with a suspended license. Joiner appeals, raising for the first time on appeal her sole contention that the State failed td'prove venue beyond a reasonable doubt. We do not agree.

Criminal actions generally must be tried in the county where the crime occurred. OCGA § 17-2-1 (a). Proof of venue is an essential element in proving guilt in a criminal case, and “‘[l]ike every other material allegation in the indictment it must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.’ [Cits.]” Thayer v. State, 189 Ga.…