Opinion ID: 714052
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cross-examination of Kerr.

Text: 17 Wiman argues that the trial court committed error by not permitting him to question Tim Kerr, a government witness, concerning his activities as an informant. Wiman also argues that the trial court improperly prohibited him from impeaching Kerr with his criminal record. Both of Wiman's contentions are unsupported by the record and are without merit. 18 First, the trial court did not prohibit Wiman from inquiring as to Kerr's status as an informant. The record indicates that on the morning of trial, Wiman's counsel advised the trial court and the government of his intention to inquire as to Kerr's status as an informant. The trial court warned Wiman's counsel that if he did so, it would be exceedingly likely that the door would be opened to the previously excluded burglary-related evidence and testimony. 19 Because Wiman did not request a specific ruling from the trial court on this issue, did not object to the lack of a specific ruling and did not attempt to question Kerr at trial as to his status or activities as an informant, we review this issue only for plain error. United States v. Boyles, 57 F.3d 535, 548 (7th Cir.1995); United States v. Badger, 983 F.2d 1443, 1453 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 508 U.S. 928, 113 S.Ct. 2391, 124 L.Ed.2d 293, --- U.S. ----, 114 S.Ct. 76, 126 L.Ed.2d 44 (1993). The district court did not preclude Wiman from inquiring as to Kerr's status as an informant; it merely advised him of the probable consequences of such an inquiry. We find no error here. 20 In advance of trial, the government filed a motion in limine to prevent Wiman from using two prior misdemeanor convictions to impeach Kerr. These two convictions were for driving under the influence of alcohol and theft of gas from a gas station. The district court ruled that neither of these convictions was admissible under Fed.R.Evid. 609(a)(2). The court indicated that its ruling was subject to reconsideration if Wiman presented some evidence to show that either of the crimes involved dishonesty or false statements. There is no indication in the record that either crime involved dishonesty or false statements, and Wiman did not come forward with evidence to the contrary. 2 We review only for plain error, and we find none. 21