People v. Averett

Chief Justice Fitzgerald and Justices Thomas, Carman, and Karmeier concurred in the judgment and opinion.

Justice Burke dissented, with opinion, joined by Justice Freeman.

OPINION

These consolidated appeals address whether a defendant may be entitled to relief on appeal after choosing not to testify at trial if the trial court had a “blanket policy” of deferring rulings on motions in limine to exclude prior convictions for impeachment until after the defendant testified. Defendant Warren Averett also contends that he should receive a new trial because the trial court failed to respond properly…