Opinion ID: 1174739
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Out-of-State Witness

Text: Defendants claim the trial court erred by refusing to secure the attendance of an out-of-state witness, Tracy Long, the natural daughter of Mildred Lairby, who resided with defendants during the period when the alleged events occurred. Defendants argue that they were entitled to have the court issue a certificate ordering her attendance from Arizona pursuant to U.C.A., 1953, § 77-21-3 (1982). The record discloses that on the second day of trial, defendants, upon noting Tracy Long was not present, made an oral request to the court that she be subpoenaed from Arizona. Defense counsel did not apprise the trial court that he sought an order compelling the attendance of an out-of-state witness at an in-state criminal proceeding pursuant to § 77-21-3. Moreover, no showing was made before the lower court, nor has one been made on appeal, that Tracy Long was a material witness as required under the Act. No proffer was made regarding the contents of her testimony. A mere allegation of materiality does not justify a finding that a witness is material. See People v. Nash, 36 Ill.2d 275, 281, 222 N.E.2d 473, 476 (1966), cert. denied, 389 U.S. 906, 88 S.Ct. 222, 19 L.Ed.2d 681 (1967). On appeal, defendants likewise merely allege materiality. No description of the witness' evidence is offered, and no suggestion is made as to how her testimony would affect defendants' case. Under the circumstances, there is no showing of prejudice, and the trial court's refusal was not erroneous.