State v. Bridges

Appellant was convicted of first degree criminal sexual conduct. The trial judge sentenced him to thirty years in prison.

Prior to the close of the State’s case, appellant’s counsel requested a ruling from the trial j udge as to whether the State could use a 1977 guilty plea for impeachment purposes if appellant decided to testify. The trial judge refused to make an anticipatory ruling, stating he would rule on the issue if appellant took the stand and if objection was made. Appellant elected not to take the stand.

Appellant argues on appeal the trial judge’s refusal to rule in advance had a…