Opinion ID: 2263311
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: The trial judge allegedly abused his discretion by denying Miller's Motion for a Mistrial.

Text: Miller next contends that the trial judge erred by denying his Motion for a Mistrial. Miller sought a mistrial because Alicia, during her direct examination, made reference to an earlier sexual assault by Miller. The trial judge denied Miller's motion: I think what happened, so the record can reflect this, she began making a statement, I interrupted her and she may have completed it but it was over my `Counsel, I need to see you at sidebar,' so I am not convinced that the jury would have clearly heard her whole response and I'm concerned that if I try to cure it by asking them to strike it, I may be highlighting what I'm trying not to have themwhat I'm going to generally say is that the last question and answer doesn't have any relevance and is stricken and I'll ask you to go on... We review a trial judge's denial of a motion for a mistrial under an abuse of discretion standard. [52] A trial judge should grant a mistrial only where there is a `manifest necessity' or the `ends of public justice would be otherwise defeated.' [53] Miller's argument lacks merit. The trial judge interrupted Alicia before she finished her unresponsive answer. Because the trial judge interrupted the witness, neither defense counsel nor the prosecutor were immediately aware of any prejudice resulting from Alicia's answer. [54] As the State suggests, if the attorneys did not note the potential for prejudice, it is highly unlikely that the jury would have recognized the potential for prejudice. Moreover, the trial judge properly removed any potential for prejudice without placing emphasis on the issue by striking the question and answer from the record. Therefore, because the trial judge removed any potential for prejudice and the unresponsive answer did not undermine Miller's right to a fair trial, the trial judge did not abuse his discretion by denying Miller's Motion for a Mistrial.