Opinion ID: 2572491
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Issue 4: Did the cumulative effect of trial errors deny the defendant a fair trial?

Text: `Cumulative trial errors, when considered collectively, may be so great as to require reversal of the defendant's conviction. The test is whether the totality of circumstances substantially prejudiced the defendant and denied the defendant a fair trial. No prejudicial error may be found upon this cumulative effect rule, however, if the evidence is overwhelming against the defendant.' State v Lumbrera, 252 Kan. 54, Syl. ¶ 1, 845 P.2d 609 (1992). State v. Plaskett, 271 Kan. 995, 1022, 27 P.3d 890 (2001). Meeks claims that the admission of the statement Meeks shot me; the admission of the recording of the 911 call; and the refusal to grant a continuance to investigate alibi evidence were errors that collectively denied him a fair trial. The State argues that the evidence was overwhelming against Meeks and that there were no trial errors to accumulate. The trial court did not commit the errors alleged by Meeks. Without error, there can be no cumulative error.