Opinion ID: 1989296
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence of the Accomplice's Drug Charges

Text: Collins alleges the trial court erred when it declined to allow detailed and continued interrogation regarding drug charges brought against Michie. The police had found substantial quantities of drugs in Michie's home two days after the homicide. The judge limited evidence regarding the charges brought against Michie for two reasons: 1) Michie had not been convicted of possessing the drugs and 2) two other people were also in the house at the time the drugs were found. Collins argues that this evidence was admissible to demonstrate that Michie's motive for participating in the crime was other than the one [given on the witness stand]. If Michie had substantial quantities of drugs in his possession, it was a logical inference that he was in the business of selling narcotics. This evidence would arguably be contrary to Michie's testimony that he was broke and in need of money. Collins also contends the evidence was relevant to show his motive for testifying as a state's witness. We conclude the trial judge did not commit reversible error in his ruling limiting the evidence concerning Michie's pending drug charges. As the prosecutor revealed to the court at trial, the disposition of those charges was not part of Michie's agreement to testify against Collins. On appeal, Collins does not take exception to the prosecutor's proffer. Evidence establishing Michie's possible bias or motive for testifying was effectively before the jury from Michie, and from other sources. There was ample evidence of Michie's drug involvement to allow the jury to assess his credibility. In addition, Michie thoroughly outlined his plea agreement with the State during his direct examination. Under these circumstances, the decision of the trial judge to disallow further evidence of Michie's pending narcotics charges was harmless error. See Johnson v. State, 303 Md. 487, 528, 495 A.2d 1, 22 (1985), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 1093, 106 S.Ct. 868, 88 L.Ed.2d 907 (1986) (It is a fundamental rule of appellate procedure that a reviewing court will not reverse upon rulings on evidence where the ruling did not result in prejudice to the complaining party.); see also Tully v. Dasher, 250 Md. 424, 436, 244 A.2d 207, 214 (1968).