James v. State

BLUE, Judge.

Mark D. James appeals his convictions for robbery with a firearm, first-degree burglary, kidnapping with a firearm, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. On appeal, he raises several points of error. We agree with one point, that the trial court erred by failing to conduct a Richardson hearing. Therefore, we reverse and remand for a new trial.

A critical issue at trial was the victim’s identification of her assailant. To explore that issue, James’ defense counsel cross-examined the investigating detective about the physical description of a certain Carl Thompson. On…