State v. Johnson

Defendant was convicted of criminal activities in drugs. His conviction was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, 26 Or App 565, 553 P2d 1078 (1976). This court granted review.

Defendant took the stand in his defense. On direct examination he was asked to recite his prior criminal convictions. He listed convictions for (1) larceny, (2) writing insufficient fund checks, and (3) criminal activity in drugs. Thereafter, on cross-examination by the district attorney, the following transpired:

"BY MS. STAHANCYK [Prosecutor]:

"Q Mr. Johnson, are you a drug dealer?

"MR. TORAN [Defense Counsel]: Objection.

"THE…