Copeland v. Commonwealth

Opinion

BENTON, J.

William L. Copeland appeals from a conviction for fraudulent use of a credit card, in violation of Code § 18.2-192. During the trial, the judge allowed testimony related to a prior criminal offense of which Copeland was acquitted. Copeland claims the admission of that testimony was error because (1) it was barred under the doctrine of collateral estoppel, and (2) it was inadmissible evidence used to prove Copeland’s identity as the perpetrator. We agree that the evidence was inadmissible and reverse the conviction.

I

Using a credit card bearing the name Anna Craig, a man…