Opinion ID: 1667146
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Cross-examination of Patrick Brossett

Text: ś 97. Thorson next argues that the trial court abused his discretion in not allowing him to impeach Patrick Brossett, his own witness, with a prior conviction during direct examination. Thorson also argues that the trial court prevented him from approaching the bench immediately after the ruling; therefore, he was unable to make a proffer of the witness's testimony. Concerning the refusal to make a proffer, once the witness was released, the trial court released the jury and stated that he should have allowed Thorson the opportunity to make a record as to Brossett's criminal history. Thorson was able to state into the record that Brossett had been convicted of robbery and released from Parchman in 1986. ś 98. Thorson contends that Brossett was a hostile witness; however, he was never designated as such at trial. The State points out that Brossett's testimony was so insignificant that the State did not cross-examine him. Thorson has failed to show actual prejudice in the exclusion of this evidence. Thorson only wanted to ask the question because Brossett had recently been released from Parchman. This issue is without merit.