Austin v. State

During cross-examination of the arresting officer, Appellant attempted to elicit testimony as to the contents of his statement at the scene of his arrest. According to the proffered testimony, Appellant told the arresting officer the currency in his possession came from a paycheck he had cashed earlier that day. The trial court excluded the statement after the State objected, arguing it was self-serving hearsay. We affirm.

Appellant concedes the statement was self-serving hearsay and that the rule of completeness does not apply. See Cotton v. State, 763 So.2d 437 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000) (holding…