Opinion ID: 853312
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Cross-examination of Mr. Hollen as to Domestic Abuse

Text: On cross-examination of Hollen's husband at trial, defense counsel asked Mr. Hollen, Didn't you put a bruise on her back the size of a softball. The State objected and reminded the court that the trial court had granted the State's motion in limine to exclude evidence of prior domestic abuse in the Hollen's marriage. Defense counsel apologized, and the court instructed the jury to disregard the statement. West argues that evidence of domestic abuse was highly relevant in view of the brutal nature of Hollen's death and that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to allow Mr. Hollen to be cross-examined on this point. Although it is difficult to see how this evidence could lead to anything beyond speculation, we need not consider that issue because we agree with the State that West has waived this argument by failing to make an offer to prove. In order to preserve an issue for appellate review, a defendant must make an offer to prove, setting forth the grounds for admission of the evidence and the relevance of the testimony. Ind. Evidence Rule 103(a); accord Noble v. State, 725 N.E.2d 842, 846 (Ind.2000). West made no offer to prove after the State objected to defense counsel's line of questioning. Thus, the trial court had no opportunity to reconsider its ruling on the motion in limine and West has waived this claim.