Liphford v. State

Two issues are presented by this appeal:(1) Was it prejudicial error to permit the state to question the defendant concerning the number of his prior convictions after the defendant admitted having been convicted of a crime; and(2) Was defendant’s statement to the detective admissible?

Number of Prior Convictions.

In State v. Midell (1968), 39 Wis. 2d 733, 159 N. W. 2d 614, this court squarely held that under sec. 885.19, Stats., 1 a defendant who takes the stand may be asked if he has ever been convicted of a crime and the number of times he has been so convicted.

“. . . sec. 885.19, Stats.,…