Opinion ID: 2541567
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Point One: Allegations in the Complaint were Hearsay and Irrelevant

Text: Tisius argues the circuit court abused its discretion in overruling his objection to the admission of State's Exhibit 53, the certified court record of the complaint of Tisius' conviction for possession of a prohibited item in the department of corrections. Tisius asserts the complaint was not admissible pursuant to section 565.030 because: (1) the complaint was inadmissible hearsay; (2) he was denied his right to confront and cross-examine the person who determined the prohibited item to be a boot shank; and (3) the complaint was not relevant as it failed to prove specific conduct that he committed. Tisius believes that without this evidence, the jury would have sentenced him to life without parole. Near the end of trial, the State informed the court it intended to offer the certified copy of Tisius' conviction of possessing a prohibited item in the department of corrections. The State sought to read the docket entry showing Tisius entered an Alford plea [2] , the complaint to establish the basis of the crime, and his sentence. Tisius objected to the portion of the complaint stating he knowingly possessed a metal object known as a boot shank, a weapon or item [of] personal property that could be used in such manner as hearsay. The circuit court permitted the State to read the complaint up to the point that it said Tisius was charged with knowingly possessing a metal object commonly known as a boot shank.