Opinion ID: 1113782
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the penitentiary records

Text: The third point that the defendant raises is that the records of the penitentiary that were used to prove his identity as previously convicted were improperly admitted. During the trial on the issue of identity, the judge admitted records from the penitentiary that were authenticated by the penitentiary's records manager. The records were also under seal of the acting warden. The name typed on the form was that of Robert E. Montoya, however they were signed by Felix Rodriguez, Acting Warden. Since there was no foundation for the documents other than the documents themselves, they must be self-authenticating under Rule 902 of the Rules of Evidence, N.M.S.A. 1978, in order to qualify as exceptions to the hearsay rule under Rule 803(8) of the Rules of Evidence, N.M.S.A. 1978 (Cum.Supp. 1980) which applies to public records. We hold that the exhibit was properly admitted. It was a document bearing the seal of a state agency, and it bears a signature of attestation. The typed name is irrelevant. The admission of evidence is within the discretion of the trial judge and will not be disturbed absent a clear abuse of discretion. State v. Valdez, 83 N.M. 632, 495 P.2d 1079 (Ct.App. 1972), aff'd, 83 N.M. 720, 497 P.2d 231 (1972), cert. denied 409 U.S. 1077, 93 S.Ct. 694, 34 L.Ed.2d 666 (1977). Here we find no abuse of discretion. The imposition of the sentence of life imprisonment is affirmed. PAYNE and FEDERICI, JJ., concur.