Clifton v. State

OPINION

MOORE, Justice.

Kenneth Clifton was convicted of murder in the first degree, AS 11.41.100(a)(1), and misconduct involving weapons in the third degree, AS 11.61.220(a)(1). On appeal, Clifton argues that the trial court allowed the prosecution to impeach a key defense witness with prior convictions obtained more than five years before the trial, in violation of Evidence Rule 609. The court of appeals affirmed the conviction. Clifton v. State, 728 P.2d 649 (Alaska App.1986). We conclude that the trial court erred in allowing the prosecution to impeach the defense witness with prior…