Opinion ID: 1435822
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: New Trial Other Evidentiary Issues

Text: Because Diaz will have a new trial, we will comment briefly on the other evidentiary issues in this appeal. First, Diaz challenges the admission of Maria's out-of-court statements pursuant to Section 3507. Those objections can be renewed at the new trial and the Superior Court's prior rulings should not be deemed to be the law of the case. Second, the State acknowledges that an inadvertent reference to Diaz's incarceration was improper. There is no reason that reference should be repeated at Diaz's next trial. Third, Diaz argues that the Superior Court erred by permitting the State to disclose Ms. Rivera's immigration status for impeachment purposes. At Diaz's next trial, the State should first demonstrate that her immigration status was, in fact, an actual concern of Ms. Rivera's prior to the time she called the police, and then the Superior Court should then determine if the probative value of that immigration status to the State's case is outweighed by any unfair prejudice to Diaz.