Opinion ID: 2516548
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: consolidating the charges

Text: Jacques argues that the trial court erred when it consolidated the charges stemming from the February 19, 1998, incidents (possession of cocaine and misdemeanor battery) and the charges stemming from the March 1, 1998, incidents (felony murder and possession of cocaine). A trial court's decision to consolidate charges for trial will not be disturbed on appeal unless there is a clear showing of abuse of discretion. If reasonable people could differ about the propriety of the trial court's decision, the appellate court will not find an abuse of discretion. State v. Cromwell, 253 Kan. 495, 511, 856 P.2d 1299 (1993); State v. Woods, 250 Kan. 109, 117, 825 P.2d 514, cert. denied 506 U.S. 850 (1992). Charges may be joined if (1) the crimes are the same or similar in character; (2) the crimes arise from the same transaction; or (3) the crimes constitute parts of a common scheme. K.S.A. 22-3202(1); State v. Crawford, 255 Kan. 47, 53, 872 P.2d 293 (1994). Jacques never objected when the charges were consolidated, nor did he object when they were amended prior to trial at the preliminary hearing. No motion to sever was ever filed by Jacques, nor is there any record of an objection at trial. Jacques' failure to object to the consolidation of the February 19 and March 1, 1998, charges deprives this court of the ability to review the alleged error. See State v. Alderson, 260 Kan. 445, Syl. ¶ 7, 922 P.2d 435 (1996); State v. Solomon, 257 Kan. 212, 222, 891 P.2d 407 (1995). Affirmed.