State v. Shaw

GOOLSBY, Judge.

The single issue presented in this criminal case is whether evidence of a prior conviction for shoplifting may be used under Rule 609(a)(2), SCRE 1 to impeach the credibility of a defendant. We hold it may be so used and affirm. 2

Bernard Shaw was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within one-half mile of a school. The trial judge sentenced him to seven years imprisonment.

Shaw testified in his own defense at trial, affirmatively disclosing he had been convicted of third degree burglary in 1991,…