Opinion ID: 2607856
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: State's Cross-Examination of Defendant Regarding Her Relationship With Her Previous Husband

Text: The prosecution was allowed to cross-examine defendant about her prior marriage to Richard Esquibel, who is now deceased. Initially, the questioning involved possible physical abuse that may have been inflicted on defendant by Esquibel. Over defense objection, the prosecutor was also allowed to question defendant about Esquibel's criminal record. Defense counsel objected to the questions because they elicited irrelevant testimony and because they were outside the scope of the direct examination. It is within the discretion of the trial court to expand the scope of cross-examination. NMSA 1978, Evid.R. 611(b) (Repl. Pamp. 1983). Inquiry into additional matters must, however, be conducted as if on direct examination. Id. Rule 611(b) does not allow the trial court discretion to admit evidence which is otherwise inadmissible because it is irrelevant, NMSA 1978, Evid. Rule 402 (Repl.Pamp. 1983), or if the probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, NMSA 1978, Evid.Rule 403 (Repl.Pamp. 1983). In this case, evidence of prior abuse of defendant by Esquibel is probative. It tends to support the State's claim that it gave defendant special knowledge which would be useful in fabricating a claim of abuse by decedent. Evidence concerning Esquibel's burning defendant with cigarettes is particularly relevant in light of expert testimony that it is impossible to determine the actual age of scar tissue. However, evidence of Esquibel's prior criminal history and drug use have no probative value in relation to defendant's actions toward decedent. This evidence, plus reference to Esquibel as Richard the Roach, was an improper attempt to present the jury with the implication that since defendant was previously married to a person of bad character, she was also of poor character or lacked credibility. Cf. State v. Mills, 94 N.M. 17, 606 P.2d 1111 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 94 N.M. 628, 614 P.2d 545 (1980). The evidence offered by the prosecution failed to show a logical connection between Esquibel's prior criminal history, his drug use, his nickname, or defendant's ability to divorce him, and the defendant's actions toward decedent. It was error for the court to admit any evidence on these issues.