Opinion ID: 2179256
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Justification Defense.

Text: Begey contends her trial attorney was ineffective in not making an offer of proof during Begey's testimony on her justification defense. She also contends, and we agree, the trial court erred in excluding evidence bearing on her claim of justification. Under Iowa Code section 704.3, [a] person is justified in the use of reasonable force when the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend oneself or another from any imminent use of unlawful force. Begey's attorney on appeal candidly states The record [on justification] is somewhat confusing and probably inadequate. Begey's trial counsel did not file a notice of self-defense as provided by Iowa Rule of Criminal Procedure 2.11(11)( c ) (notice to be filed within time provided for pretrial motions, unless time extended by court). The State, however, has not objected on that ground. In fact, the court instructed the jury on justification, apparently sua sponte. Moreover, the prosecutor apparently considered the defense to be in the case because he argued at length that the jury should reject the defense. Although the defendant did not file a pretrial notice of justification defense, both parties and the court treated the issue as if it was a part of the case, and we do so as well. A defendant has a fundamental right to present a defense. The right to present a defense is so fundamental and essential to a fair trial that the Supreme Court has accorded it the status of an incorporated right in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment[.] State v. Fox, 491 N.W.2d 527, 531 (Iowa 1992) (citing Washington v. Texas, 388 U.S. 14, 19, 87 S.Ct. 1920, 1923, 18 L.Ed.2d 1019, 1023 (1967)). In this case, an eyewitness had testified in a deposition about an earlier incident involving Begey's mother and Sissel in which Sissel jumped onto her mother's car and grabbed her by the neck. This witness stated that Begey was nearby and likely observed the event. The court sustained the State's objection to the proposed use of this deposition testimony on the ground it was improper character evidence. Begey's attorney made an offer of proof by submitting a portion of the deposition in which the witness related the event. This testimony was never presented to the jury. Begey was asked during her testimony about this prior event, but the court sustained the State's objection on the same ground: it was improper character evidence. Begey's attorney did not make an offer of proof. Begey contends her trial attorney was ineffective in failing to make an offer of proof. However, we need not decide the ineffective-assistance claim because we hold it was error for the court to sustain the objections to the testimony of Begey and her witness concerning the earlier event. In respect to evidence of character, self-defense is subject to a unique rule. We have said: All persons, independently of their character or reputation, are under the equal protection of the law. A homicide victim's prior violent or turbulent character or reputation is ordinarily immaterial and furnishes another no excuse to become his or her private executioner. Thus where the accused denies the killing or asserts it was unintentional, evidence of the deceased's character is inadmissible. But an exception to this general rule applies where the accused asserts he or she acted in self-defense and the slightest supporting evidence is introduced. Then the violent, quarrelsome, dangerous or turbulent character of the deceased may be shown, both by evidence of his or her reputation in that respect and by witnesses who can testify from an actual knowledge of the victim's character. State v. Jacoby, 260 N.W.2d 828, 837 (Iowa 1977) (citations omitted); accord State v. Pletka, 310 N.W.2d 525, 528 (Iowa 1981). The burden of proof of this defense is on the State, which must prove a lack of justification by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. See State v. Dunson, 433 N.W.2d 676, 677 (Iowa 1988). The defendant testified that, if she slowed down enough for Sissel to get a hand free, he might have been able to inflict harm on her. She knew he had guns. She testified she was afraid to stop the car in order to flee. She testified that the victim has a large build; and he was angry. The thing that I remember was just a vein in his forehead when he was on the hood. She testified that she did not stop the vehicle because it just didn't feel safe to me.... I felt that there would be a very large risk to me and my safety. While the defendant's evidence on self-defense is not compelling, we have said that, if an accused asserts self-defense and the slightest supporting evidence is introduced, the character of the victim may properly be the subject of inquiry. Jacoby, 260 N.W.2d at 837. Here, the court correctly defined the defense of justification and correctly informed the jury that the State must prove the defendant did not act with justification. The court further set out in its instructions the grounds that would make the defense unavailable. Under Iowa Code section 704.6: The defense of justification is not available to the following: .... 2. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself, with the intent to use such force as an excuse to inflict injury on the assailant. 3. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself by one's unlawful acts, unless: a. Such force is grossly disproportionate to the provocation, and is so great that the person reasonably believes that the person is in imminent danger of death or serious injury or b. The person withdraws from physical contact with the other and indicates clearly to the other that the person desires to terminate the conflict but the other continues or resumes the use of force. Begey's taking of the car was unquestionably the impetus for the events that followed. However, that act, which began as a relatively nonviolent act, is not necessarily a sufficient provocation to deprive Begey of the defense. See Dunson, 433 N.W.2d at 678 (defendant's striking victim with belt not necessarily sufficient provocation to deprive defendant of self-defense instruction); State v. Davis, 209 Iowa 524, 528, 228 N.W. 37, 39 (1929) (provocation by making defamatory comments about the victim's daughter not sufficient to deprive defendant of self-defense claim). Here, the State and the court observed that Begey did not expressly testify that she was afraid of Sissel. However, a jury could conclude that from her testimony. The prosecution argued at length about why the jury should not find justification. Yet, the defendant was not allowed to introduce evidence to support such a defense. The record in this case was, as Begey notes on appeal, confusing. We believe it is clear, however, that to deny Begey's introduction of evidence of the prior acts of the victim on the ground it was inadmissible character evidence was error. We conclude the defendant is not entitled to a remand for dismissal on her claim of insufficiency of the evidence. She is, however, entitled to a new trial on the ground the court erroneously denied her the opportunity to develop her claim of self-defense. DECISION OF COURT OF APPEALS VACATED, JUDGMENT OF DISTRICT COURT REVERSED, CASE REMANDED FOR RETRIAL. All justices concur except WIGGINS, J., who takes no part.