Opinion ID: 2260527
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Considerations Prior to Admitting Evidence of Other Crimes

Text: The general common law rule, forbidding the introduction of character evidence to prove that a defendant acted in conformity therewith on the occasion in question, is codified in D.R.E. 404. The admittance of evidence to prove propensity to commit the crime which is charged is proscribed by subsection (a) of the Rule. Subsection (b) of the Rule enumerates illustrative purposes for which evidence of other acts, crimes, or wrongs may be used, other than for showing propensity, `such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity or absence of mistake or accident.' D.R.E. 404(b). Weber v. State, Del.Supr., 547 A.2d 948, 955 (1988). Even if evidence of other crimes is relevant, the trial judge may exclude it if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues or misleading to the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. D.R.E. 403. Ultimately, the admission of such evidence rests in the sound discretion of the trial judge and will not be disturbed on appeal unless the admission was a clear abuse of discretion. Weber v. State, 547 A.2d at 955. This Court has recently enunciated guidelines to govern the admissibility of other crime evidence in future cases. Getz v. State, Del.Supr., 538 A.2d 726, 734 (1988). Even though those guidelines operate prospectively and were announced after Howard's trial, they are instructive in analyzing Howard's case. The relevant guidelines set forth in Getz are: (1) The evidence of other crimes must be material to an issue or ultimate fact in dispute in the case. If the State elects to present such evidence in its case-in-chief it must demonstrate the existence, or reasonable anticipation, of such a material issue. (2) The evidence of other crimes must be introduced for a purpose sanctioned by Rule 404(b) or any other purpose not inconsistent with the basic prohibition against evidence of bad character or criminal disposition. (3) The other crimes must be proved by evidence which is plain, clear and conclusive. Renzi v. State, Del.Supr., 320 A.2d 711, 712 (1974). (4) The other crimes must not be too remote in time from the charged offense. (5) The Court must balance the probative value of such evidence against its unfairly prejudicial effect, as required by D.R.E. 403. (6) Because such evidence is admitted for a limited purpose, the jury should be instructed concerning the purpose for its admission as required by D.R.E. 105. (footnote omitted). Id.