State v. Clark-Ramsey

HAROLD L. LOWENSTEIN, Judge.

During voir dire of prosecution for drug charges, a venireperson gave equivocal responses to questions concerning the party bearing the burden of proof and the defendant’s right not to testify. The trial judge overruled the defendant’s motion to strike for cause. That ruling is at the heart of the defendant’s appeal.

Factual and Procedural History

The appellant, Geraldine Clark-Ramsey, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, in violation of § 195.202, RSMo.2000. The information alleged that the appellant was a prior drug offender. She was tried and…