Smith v. State

Deen, Presiding Judge.

Appellant Willie Fred Smith was convicted of sexually molesting a seven-year-old girl. At trial the prosecution introduced certified copies of two rape convictions dating from more than twelve years previously. On appeal Smith enumerates as error the introduction of evidence of prior crimes without the defendant’s having “opened the door” by placing his character in issue. He also enumerates five additional errors. Held:

1. Prior to trial appellant filed a motion in limine that no evidence of prior sexual offenses be admitted at trial. After a hearing the motion was…