Ruff v. State

Smith, Judge.

A jury convicted Richard Nelson Ruff of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He appeals from the denial of his motion for new trial. Ruff enumerates as error the court’s instruction as to reasonable doubt, asserting that the charge given failed to convey that concept accurately and that it likewise reduced the State’s burden of proof.. The court charged on reasonable doubt as follows: “Every person is presumed innocent until proved guilty. No person shall be convicted of a crime unless each essential element of that crime is proved by the State beyond a reasonable…