Opinion ID: 1743054
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Time between offense

Text: One and one-half months prior to the February 17 offense charged, defendant wrecked his wife's car, according to the notice, in an attempt to murder her. The time between offenses cannot be determined by a fixed rule but must depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Considering the nature and character of these two offenses and the status and habits of the parties involved, the time lapse here was not such that evidence of the other offense should be excluded. In addition, defense counsel requested, and the trial judge ruled, that the evidence of the January 1 offense be permitted, if otherwise admissible, for the sole purpose of showing intent in the crime charged. Defense counsel also requested, and the trial judge agreed, that the jury be charged that the evidence was to be received for the limited purpose of proving intent. The trial judge agreed to charge the jury that the defendant could not be convicted for any offense other than the one named in the indictment, or one for which a responsive verdict could be returned. Although the bill of exceptions does not have attached the testimony and evidence of the February 17 offense, or the charge to the jury, which we assume took place later, this ruling of the trial judge, which the record does support, is correct.