Opinion ID: 1228507
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: In Martin error was preserved:

Text: Prior to trial defense counsel moved for an order in limine by which the State would be prohibited from making any in-presence-of-jury inquiry of Martin regarding his prior felony convictions, except those related to truth and veracity. This motion was overruled. Like objections were interposed as to such evidence at appropriate stages during the trial and again overruled.   . State v. Martin, 217 N.W.2d at 538. No motion in limine was filed in the instant case. No other record was made or offered showing what crimes were involved in defendant's prior convictions. We have no way of determining whether they did or did not involve offenses which related to truth and veracity. In order to preserve error it was incumbent upon defendant, by motion in limine, or by some timely record, to show the nature of the prior felonies. Such a showing is necessary in order for the trial court to make the finding (the danger of unfair prejudice does not outweigh probative value) required of it in State v. Martin, supra, and in order for us to review such holding on appeal. In the absence of some showing as to the nature of the prior felonies a trial court is powerless to make its determination and we are powerless to review it. No error was preserved. II. Elsewhere in his cross-examination of defendant the county attorney inquired quite indiscriminately into defendant's racial heritage as an American Indian, his membership in the American Indian Movement, and into his past treatment for alcoholism. Defendant now claims these matters were wholly irrelevant and prejudicial to his defense. We agree they were irrelevant and the trial court was in similar agreement. The trial court sustained each of defendant's occasional objections to questions touching these matters. The testimony he now complains of was admitted without objection. Error was therefore waived. State v. Boose, 202 N.W.2d 368 (Iowa 1972). In fairness we should mention defendant was heretofore represented in this cause by counsel other than the one who appears on submission of this appeal. Affirmed. All Justices concur except LeGRAND, J., who concurs in the result.