Opinion ID: 450378
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Introduction of Hearsay

Text: 19 Piedrahita argues that the trial court improperly allowed the introduction of hearsay testimony that other arrested narcotics dealers explained to the arresting officer the use of beepers and codes like those possessed by appellant [Piedrahita]. The incident of which Piedrahita complains occurred when Detective Walter Alicea began to testify concerning his familiarity with the use of code numbers and beepers. Piedrahita's counsel objected without specifying the grounds therefor. The trial judge, presumably interpreting the objection as one attacking the witness' qualifications as an expert, proceeded to question the witness about the basis of his knowledge. The witness responded that arrested narcotics dealers had told him of the use of codes and beepers. The judge then asked whether there is any difference between codes and beepers used legitimately and those used illegitimately. The witness responded that there is not. He was then allowed to proceed with his testimony. No further objection was made nor was any exception taken. On appeal, Piedrahita now raises for the first time a hearsay objection to this testimony. Even if we were to assume arguendo that Piedrahita did not waive this objection by failing to make a more specific objection or a motion to strike after the trial court's questioning, we nevertheless find the argument to be meritless. 20 Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence provides: 21 If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise. 22 The trial judge has broad discretion in applying this rule, and we must sustain his actions if they are not manifestly erroneous. United States v. Carson, 702 F.2d 351, 369 (2d Cir.1983). The operations of narcotics dealers are a proper subject for expert testimony under Rule 702. Id. We conclude that the trial judge did not err in finding Detective Alicea's testimony regarding beepers admissible. Accordingly, we reject this claim as being without merit. 23