State v. Hill

The defendant-appellant, Jimmy Hill, was convicted of the crime of unlawful possession of a narcotic drug. His appeal presents two questions. Was the defendant properly identified at trial? Did the trial court commit error by ruling in advance that the defendant, if he took the stand, could be cross-examined as to two prior convictions which had been reversed and dismissed on appeal?

The facts are simple. Between 3 and 4 a.m. on May 15, 1971, an officer was directed to a residence in Yakima, Washington, by a person who had lodged a complaint against the defendant relating to a weapon. Upon…