State v. Ball

Ness, Chief Justice:

Appellant was convicted of shoplifting. She asserts the trial judge erred in permitting her to be impeached with her prior conviction for possession of cocaine. We agree.

Appellant accompanied Linda Sales to a shopping mall. An eyewitness testified appellant took three pair of bluejeans off a rack, rolled them into a ball, and dropped them into a shopping bag held by Sales. Appellant and Sales went in opposite directions and exited separate doors of the store.

Appellant testified she merely handed the bluejeans to Sales at Sales’ request, and had no knowledge of what Sales…