People v. Spearman

Opinion

BIRD, C. J.

This court must determine whether a person may be impeached with a prior conviction of possession of heroin for sale when he is being tried for that same offense.

I

Appellant, Albert Spearman, was arrested by Pasadena Police Officer Martin on April 22, 1975. A substance containing heroin was discovered in a hole in the rear bumper of a car appellant was driving. He was charged with possession of heroin for sale (Health & Saf. Code, § 11351), transportation of heroin (Health & Saf. Code, § 11352), and a prior conviction in 1973 of possession of heroin for sale.

*112At the trial,…