Walker v. State

Among other issues, we are asked to decide in this case whether the State may impeach its own witness with a prior inconsistent statement under Md. Rule 5-607 when the State was not surprised by the witness’s testimony. A jury in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County convicted Earl Walker, appellant, of one count each of distribution of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine arising from a May 4, 2000 transaction. The jury acquitted appellant of identical charges stemming from a May 3, 2000 transaction. Appellant presents four questions for our review.

I. Did the trial court err by…