Commonwealth v. Torres

After a second jury trial, the defendant, Luis A. Torres, was convicted of one count of violating an abuse prevention order.2 G. L. c. 209A, § 7. In this consolidated appeal, he argues that the trial judge abused his discretion in denying his motion for a mistrial, which the defendant had sought after the Commonwealth's sole witness made two improper references to the defendant's previous incarceration.3 We affirm.

Background. We summarize the relevant facts as the jury could have found them. In March, 2013, the defendant's former girl friend applied for and received an abuse prevention order…