State v. Newton

Utter, J. —

Donald Newton appeals his convictions in a jury trial for forgery and second degree possession of stolen property. Over defendant's objection, the trial court explored the underlying facts of a prior conviction to determine whether it was admissible as a crime involving "dishonesty or false statement" under ER 609(a)(2). The trial court then permitted the admission, for impeachment purposes, of Newton's prior conviction for third degree theft. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

Reference to prior crimes for impeachment purposes in a criminal trial has extraordinary potential for…