Opinion ID: 1415896
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: admissibility of line-up photos

Text: Traylor also asserts the trial court committed reversible error in admitting the mug shots into evidence. The introduction of a mug-shot of a defendant is reversible error unless: (1) the state has a demonstrable need to introduce the photograph, (2) the photograph shown to the jury does not suggest the defendant has a criminal record, and (3) the photograph is not introduced in such a way as to draw attention to its origin or implication. State v. Tate, 288 S.C. 104, 341 S.E.2d 380 (1986); State v. Robinson, 274 S.C. 198, 262 S.E.2d 729 (1980); State v. Denson, 269 S.C. 407, 237 S.E.2d 761 (1977). We find no demonstrable need to introduce the photo lineup in this case. The State's assertion that it could not credibly show Traylor was in the house without the photo line-ups is untenable. Detective Robbins testified that Javier identified a man named Willie Hayes, whom he had seen before in the neighborhood, as one of the assailants. Hayes was arrested and identified Traylor as one of his accomplices. Hayes was called as a witness for the State, and testified Traylor was at the scene of the crime. Each of the victims testified at trial, and described the attack, as well as the assailants. The State could very easily have questioned the victims as to their observations of the white male assailant at the time of the crime, his tall thin frame and thin face, in order to support their in-court identifications without resort to the photo line-up. Accordingly, admission of the mug shots was error. However, Detective Robbins testified before the jury that the photograph of Traylor which she showed to the victims during the line-up was taken upon his arrest. Further, counsel for Traylor specifically cross-examined Robbins regarding the fact that Traylor's photo did not have a date on the bottom because it had been taken shortly after his arrest on these charges. Accordingly, although we strongly admonish the state against utilization of such photos except in the rarest of cases, we find no prejudice to Traylor as a result of the photographs in this case, such that his convictions are affirmed. [12] State v. Locklair, 341 S.C. 352, 535 S.E.2d 420 (2000), cert. denied 531 U.S. 1093, 121 S.Ct. 817, 148 L.Ed.2d 701 (2001) (error without prejudice does not warrant reversal).