Opinion ID: 1301441
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Goynes' Motion for Mistrial

Text: The court denied Goynes' motion for a mistrial because of alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Goynes moved for a mistrial during the State's cross-examination of him while he was testifying about the gun used in the shooting. On direct examination, he testified that he bought the gun only after Lofton shot at him at Kountze Park. On cross-examination, the prosecutor attempted to elicit testimony from Goynes about his previous gun ownership. The prosecutor asked him twice whether he was familiar with guns or whether he had previously owned a gun. After each question, defense counsel objected to the question as irrelevant and as inadmissible evidence of Goynes' previous criminal conduct. The court sustained both objections. The prosecutor then asked a third time whether Goynes had previously owned a gun. Defense counsel objected and moved for a mistrial. The court denied the motion, stating, Let's move on.