State v. Hecht

¶ 1 A prosecutor improperly appeals to the passion and prejudice of a jury by using graphics in closing argument that show the defendant’s face with the word “GUILTY” superimposed in red.1 Michael Hecht was convicted of felony harassment and patronizing a prostitute. During closing argument, the prosecutor used multiple slides showing Hecht’s photograph with a large red “GUILTY” superimposed over his face. There is no legitimate purpose for such images in a criminal trial. Such *501misconduct was flagrant and ill intentioned, and the prejudicial impact could not have been cured by a jury…