State v. Jenkins

In this case, a prosecutor attempted to impeach an unrepresented defendant by introducing inadmissible evidence of prior convictions. Because the trial court1 failed to declare a mistrial on its own motion, we reverse and remand.2

Defendant was charged with first degree criminal trespass, ORS 164.255, and second degree sexual abuse. ORS 163.415. Before trial, the prosecutor sought a ruling on the admissibility for impeachment purposes of certain prior convictions. OEC 609.3 He stated that, according to his records (a criminal history printout), defendant had been convicted of “strongarm rape”…