Gudmestad v. State

Convicted by a jury of-fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and of aggravated assault 'on a -law enforcement officer, Lawrence Gudmestad raises five issues on appeal. We conclude that the trial court erred by allowing the State to “rebut” Gudmestad’s nonhearsay statements with his prior convictions,, Accordingly, we reverse Gudmestad’s convictions and remand for a new trial.

On the evening of the events giving rise to the charges, Sarasota sheriffs deputies observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed. They were able to momentarily stop the vehicle, but the driver…