Ford v. State

OPINION

in which McCORMICK, P.J., and MEYERS, KELLER, HOLLAND, WOMACK, JOHNSON, and KEASLER, J. J., joined.

Appellant was charged with the offense of possession of a controlled substance. During jury selection, appellant objected to the State’s use of peremptory strikes against six of the seven black venire members.1 He moved for a Batson hearing, arguing that the State was unconstitutionally striking these jurors based solely on their race.2

At the hearing, the State provided reasons for each of its six strikes, including its reasoning for striking venire member Allen: she knew appellant’s…