Essex v. Commonwealth

Opinion

MOON, C.J.

A jury convicted Jesse James Essex, appellant, of knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, possession of a “sawed-ofT” shotgun, and disorderly conduct. Essex argues that the trial court erred in allowing the Commonwealth to admit the specific nature of his prior felony conviction for murder for the purpose of proving his status as a convicted felon. Because this evidence was relevant to prove an essential element of a violation of Code § 18.2-308.2(A), we hold that it was admissible. We also hold that the record supports the…