Opinion ID: 2622335
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Standard of Proof, Procedural Requirements

Text: Vasquez argues that the doctrine of forfeiture by wrongdoing, however construed, must be applied using a clear and convincing evidence standard. We disagree. While the prosecution must prove the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, see In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 364, 90 S.Ct. 1068, 25 L.Ed.2d 368 (1970), the preponderance of the evidence standard controls for determining preliminary questions relating to the admissibility of evidence. People v. Bowers, 801 P.2d 511, 518 (Colo.1990). State and federal courts that have considered the forfeiture doctrine have almost universally adopted a preponderance standard. See Edwards, 830 N.E.2d at 172 (collecting cases). We also join the jurisdictions that require an evidentiary hearing before a determination of forfeiture can be made. Outside the presence of the jury, the prosecution shall have the opportunity to prove by a preponderance of the evidence the elements of the doctrine of forfeiture by wrongdoing. Because the defendant's possible forfeiture of his confrontation rights is a preliminary question going to the admissibility of evidence, the hearing will be governed by CRE 104(a), which states that the determination shall not be bound by the rules of evidence except those with respect to privileges. Thus hearsay evidence, including the unavailable witness's out-of-court statements, will be admissible. The trial court's findings at the hearing will not be disturbed unless they are clearly erroneous. People v. Castro, 159 P.3d 597, 600 (Colo.2007).