Able v. Commonwealth

Opinion

COLEMAN, J.

Nelson Able, Jr. was convicted in a jury trial of two counts of cocaine distribution in violation of Code § 18.2-248. Able contends that the trial judge erred by not declaring a mistrial after the Commonwealth’s attorney disclosed on cross-examination, without first allowing Able an adequate opportunity to admit to the fact of the felony conviction, that Able had a prior felony conviction for attempting to bribe a police officer. Able further contends that the trial judge erred by instructing the jury that, if it found Able guilty of both counts of distributing cocaine, it…