Muff v. State

James Muff appeals his conviction on the charge of dealing in stolen property. We reverse because the prosecutor improperly cross examined appellant regarding a 1981 conviction for dealing in stolen property.

At trial, the State presented evidence that appellant pawned a hammer drill and an electric grinder at a Jackson*125ville pawn shop. The only issue in the case was whether appellant had knowledge of the stolen character of the items he pawned. Taking the stand in his own defense, appellant testified that he did not think the tools were stolen. He claimed he would have never pawned items he…