State v. Archer

The issue presented in this case is whether, if defendant admitted that he had been convicted of the crime of driving while suspended, OEC 609(l)(a) required the trial court to permit the state, for impeachment purposes, to introduce evidence establishing that that crime was considered a felony in Oregon. The majority concludes that the “felony” status of defendant’s conviction is part of its nature and that, as a result, the trial court had to admit evidence that established that fact. 150 Or App at 510.1 dissent.

OEC 609 states the circumstances in which a witness’ credibility can be…