Opinion ID: 536574
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cross-Examination of Character Witness Concerning Prior Conviction

Text: 25 At trial, James's older brother was called as a character witness and testified on direct examination that James was an honest man. On cross examination, the government asked the witness, Were you aware that on September 11, 1980, he [James Westbrook] was convicted of possession of a controlled substance? James's counsel objected to the question. The court sustained the objection, ordered the question stricken, and instructed the jury to disregard it. James argues that the improper question put to his brother was so prejudicial that he could not obtain a fair trial, and that the trial court should have declared a mistrial. 26 The decision whether a mistrial should be declared lies within the discretion of the trial court. United States v. Muza, 788 F.2d 1309, 1312 (8th Cir.1986). In reviewing the effect of the government's question on James's right to a fair trial, this court must consider the context in which the question was asked, the prejudice created, and the strength of the evidence against the appellant. Id. at 1312. Here, the government only asked once about James's conviction, and additional character witnesses subsequently testified as to James's good character. The trial court's prompt admonition to the jury to ignore the question was sufficient to cure the prejudicial effect of the government's question. United States v. Heater, 689 F.2d 783, 787 (8th Cir.1982). Furthermore, the evidence that James Westbrook committed the offenses of which he was found guilty is substantial. This court concludes that any error created by the government's question was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Polsinelli, 649 F.2d 793, 797 (10th Cir.1981).