Thompson v. State

Ruffin, Judge.

Rebecca Thompson was convicted of driving without insurance. She appeals, contending that the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction and that the trial court erred in charging the jury. Because the trial court failed to charge an essential element of the crime, we reverse.

On February 15, 1999, Sergeant David Lamb of the Peachtree City Police Department stopped Thompson’s car because of a defective taillight. Thompson was unable to produce a driver’s license or proof of insurance, although Lamb determined through a computer check that she had a valid driver’s…