State v. Phelps

KAROHL, Judge.

Defendant-appellant, Ernest Lee Phelps, was jury tried and convicted of robbery first degree. § 569.020 RSMo 1978. Defendant, a prior offender, was sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment.

Defendant’s sole point on appeal is that the trial court erred in allowing the state to cross-examine defendant about the details of a prior conviction for robbery second degree. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

On direct examination defendant acknowledged that he had a prior conviction for second degree robbery and armed criminal action. The following testimony was given on direct…