Dowell v. Commonwealth

Opinion

ELDER, J.

Gregory Michael Dowell, the defendant, was convicted of unauthorized use of an automobile and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. On appeal, he asserts that the trial court erred in overruling his motion in limine, thereby allowing the Commonwealth to impeach the defendant’s testimony by asking if he had ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. We agree and reverse.

On February 15, 1990, the defendant was tried for breaking and entering, unauthorized use of an automobile and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The defense made a motion in…