Opinion ID: 2443037
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: cross-examination regarding marijuana

Text: When Jim Moore was arrested for the murder of David Phillips, the police recovered marijuana from Moore's home, pursuant to a consensual search. No charges were filed, as a result of Moore's plea negotiations. At trial, the court prevented Findley from cross-examining the investigating officer, Jerry Brogdon, concerning the seizure of marijuana from Moore's home. Findley asserts this ruling was error since the information was relevant to Moore's plea negotiations with the State and the issue of Moore's credibility. The trial court reasoned that information concerning the seizure of marijuana could not be elicited from Officer Brogdon as Moore had already testified, at length, on cross-examination, that marijuana was found in his home and that the State had agreed not to press charges as part of his guilty plea to the offense of hindering apprehension. The exclusion of evidence cannot be considered prejudicial if the same evidence is introduced by another witness and was before the jury for its consideration. Hall v. State, 286 Ark. 52, 689 S.W.2d 524 (1985). We uphold the trial court's ruling since Findley suffered no prejudice.