Opinion ID: 431092
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Stipulation to Prior Conviction

Text: 40 Early in this consolidated trial, the parties stipulated to Smith's 1977 conviction of the felony of possession for sale of methamphetamine. Approximately two months later, the government sought to introduce the testimony of a police officer concerning the events and circumstances surrounding the conviction, including the possession by Smith of a loaded firearm. The trial judge ruled the evidence admissible, concluding it was relevant to prove the RICO charges. Smith contends that the admission of such evidence was erroneous, to which the government responds that a stipulation to an accused's prior conviction does not preclude the later admission of facts underlying the conviction. 41 We agree with Smith that once a matter is stipulated, it is conclusively proven. United States v. Houston, 547 F.2d 104, 107 (9th Cir.1976); Schlemmer v. Provident Life & Accident Ins. Co., 349 F.2d 682, 684 (9th Cir.1965). It does not follow, however, that when the fact of a conviction is stipulated, the circumstances underlying the conviction are forever immune from inquiry. 5 42 Under Fed.R.Evid. 404(b), evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts may be admissible to prove such elements as motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. Smith was charged both with conspiracy to violate and substantive violations of the RICO statute. Those charges require proof of such elements as the existence of an enterprise, the association of the defendant with the enterprise, as well as the traditional requirements of a conspiracy. In addition, proof of the predicate acts required for establishing a pattern of racketeering activity under RICO is essential. See discussion infra, part C. 43 The district court's decision to admit evidence is reviewed for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Cox, 633 F.2d 871, 874 (9th Cir.1980), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 844, 102 S.Ct. 159, 70 L.Ed.2d 130 (1981). Given the broad elements of the offenses with which Smith was charged, we cannot say the trial judge abused his discretion in finding that the circumstances surrounding Smith's 1977 drug conviction were relevant to prove those charges.