Opinion ID: 1788650
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Admissibility of Vasillion's opinion.

Text: The question presented is whether this opinion, that guns and money are usually associated with drug transactions, was an expert opinion. If so, Scotti and Terry argue that Vasillion was not listed as an expert witness in their discovery. The trial judge stated that Vasillion could not testify as an expert, but could give an opinion based on his previous personal knowledge. He then testified that he found money and weapons in this case, which based on his previous arrests in connection with controlled substances, he would expect to find with controlled substances. However, we need not decide this evidentiary issue, for the admission of this testimony does not appear to have harmed the defendants' case. This testimony was offered primarily to promote the state's charge of intent to transfer. The question posed to Officer Vasillion was an inquiry into whether guns and money were associated with drug dealing, not mere possession. The sisters were convicted of possession of marijuana, but without the intent to distribute. In light of the entire record, this testimony was harmless in its effect upon the conviction of possession. This assignment of error is without merit.