Opinion ID: 1832081
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Right to Cross-Examine a Witness

Text: Kormondy claims he was denied his constitutional right to cross-examine a witness when he attempted to impeach Mrs. McAdams' testimony by questioning her about a prior inconsistent deposition statement. After Mrs. McAdams testified that she was able to identify the people who attacked her, defense counsel asked her about statements concerning identity made at her deposition. Before she could answer the question, the State made an objection which was sustained. There was no explanation or proffer made at this point concerning what the defense was seeking with this question. Defense counsel then asked Mrs. McAdams if she had been able to identify Kormondy as one of the persons in her home. She responded that she had not seen his full face, but she could recognize some similar characteristics and features. She went on to answer affirmatively that his height, weight, and hair were familiar. The examination then ended after a brief question about her ability to recognize Hazen. In Pomeranz v. State, 703 So.2d 465 (Fla.1997), this Court stated that a witness may be cross-examined and impeached by either party. Limitations on the examination of a particular witness are controlled in the sound discretion of the trial court, and the trial court's ruling in this area will only be reversed if the aggrieved party demonstrates an abuse of that discretion. See Sanders v. State, 707 So.2d 664 (Fla.1998). In this case, the defendant has not demonstrated an abuse of discretion. As the State argues, the defense made no attempt to establish through a proffer or other explanation that the trial court should not have sustained the State's objection. The defense did not indicate what was being sought from the witness by the question nor that there was evidence that would demonstrate that Mrs. McAdams had misidentified her assailants. See Finney v. State, 660 So.2d 674, 684 (Fla.1995) (holding that without a proffer it is impossible for the appellate court to determine whether the trial court's ruling was erroneous and if erroneous what effect the error may have had on the result). Therefore, it cannot be determined from the record that the defendant was deprived of his opportunity to cross-examine or impeach the witness.