Reeves v. State

After arguing with a coworker about assigned tasks, the appellant had a physical altercation with the coworker which resulted in the coworker receiving facial injuries possibly inflicted with a claw hammer. The State charged the appellant with aggravated battery and the jury convicted him as charged. He now appeals, contending the trial court erred in allowing the State to impermissibly impeach his only defense witness on a collateral matter. We agree and reverse.

At trial three witnesses testified about the events leading up to and surrounding the fight. Mr. Myrick, the victim, and another…