Duran v. State

GOLDEN, Justice.

This is a review by writ of certiorari1 in which Petitioner Cheryl Duran appeals from the conviction and sentence entered against her for aggravated vehicular homicide. Duran challenges the trial court’s refusal of battered woman syndrome expert testimony and self-defense instructions and the admission of evidence of the victim’s peaceful character. On this issue of first impression, we hold that because Duran was charged with a crime involving a reckless act, rather than an intentional act, the affirmative defense of self-defense is not available to her. It necessarily…