People v. Kinsler

Contrary to the defendant’s contention, the record indicates that the Supreme Court, in ruling that the prosecution could cross-examine the defendant concerning his two prior convictions involving the sale of controlled substances, properly balanced the probative worth of the evidence for impeachment purposes against the risk of prejudice to the defendant (see, People v Rahman, 46 NY2d 882; People v Sandoval, 34 NY2d 371). Furthermore, the mere similarity between the prior convictions and the crime charged herein does not automati*453cally preclude such inquiry by the prosecution (see, People v…