Opinion ID: 1999218
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Cross-examination of accomplice.

Text: Cross-examination of the accomplice, Kapitzke, established that he had been granted immunity from prosecution. Further cross-examination was attempted, to establish bias and self-interest, and such examination was foreclosed by the trial judge. Appellant asserts it was error for the trial court to have so restricted the cross-examination of Kapitzke. This court has recognized the expanded rule of relevancy as set forth in 1 Wharton's, Anderson, Criminal Evidence (12th ed.), pp. 284-287, sec. 148; Oseman v. State (1966), 32 Wis. 2d 523, 145 N. W. 2d 766; Berg v. State (1969), 41 Wis. 2d 729, 739, 165 N. W. 2d 189; Zebrowski v. State, supra, page 724. Also this court has adopted Rule 303 of the American Law Institute Model Code of Evidence; Whitty v. State (1967), 34 Wis. 2d 278, 294, 149 N. W. 2d 557, which permits the trial court to exclude relevant evidence under certain circumstances, and in the exercise of its discretion. In Boller v. Cofrances (1969), 42 Wis. 2d 170, 166 N. W. 2d 129, this court considered the scope of cross-examination and quoted with approval the rationale of Neider v. Spoehr (1969), 41 Wis. 2d 610, 618, 165 N. W. 2d 171. In Boller, supra, page 181, it was stated: ... If the question is relevant and is otherwise admissible and the information solicited is within the knowledge of the witness, it should be within the sound discretion of the trial judge to determine whether or not questions on cross-examination prevent an orderly and cogent presentation of the evidence.... The effect of the foregoing decisions is to leave the question of admission or exclusion of evidence to the discretion of the trial judge. Therefore, under these rules we review the trial judge's decision to foreclose further cross-examination after immunity had been established. In State v. Gresens (1968), 40 Wis. 2d 179, 186, 161 N. W. 2d 245, this court held: ... We believe, however, it was error for the trial court to restrict the defendant's cross-examination of the witnesses who were granted immunity. The defendant has a right to bring out the motives of the state witnesses on cross-examination. 58 Am. Jur., Witnesses, p. 389, sec. 722; Annot. (1958), 62 A. L. R. 2d 610. The defense has a right to know the basis for the immunity; what other promises were made, if any; and whether the witness has been influenced or coached by the prosecution. See State ex rel. Kowaleski v. Kubiak (1950), 256 Wis. 518, 41 N. W. 2d 605; O'Connor v. State (1966), 31 Wis. 2d 684, 143 N. W. 2d 489.... In State v. Harling (1969), 44 Wis. 2d 266, 170 N. W. 2d 720, this court held as error the refusal of the trial court to permit defense counsel to inquire into the bias or prejudice of an expert witness for the state. It was there held, however, the error was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence of guilt and the fact that the action was tried to a court rather than to a jury. The statement by defendant to Kapitzke, to the effect that he might have hit Kieffer, was damaging to defendant's case. Besides providing evidence on which the jury could infer intent, it also discredited the testimony of the defendant, that he fired the shot after Kieffer had left the room in the expectation he would come back in. Nevertheless, there was sufficient evidence, aside from the statement to Kapitzke, upon which the jury could have inferred the requisite intent of the defendant. Furthermore, the jury was aware of Kapitzke's involvement in the crime, the fact that he received immunity, and that the police officers told him they would help him as much as they could. On postconviction motions, the trial court was of the opinion that the attempted inquiry as to what the police officers had told Kapitzke was hearsay. If the testimony of Kapitzke was sought to prove the truth of the statement made to him by the police officers, the testimony would be hearsay and inadmissible. However, the testimony would have been admissible to show the effect of the statements on Kapitzke and would have probative value as to his motives for testifying. Woodhull v. State (1969), 43 Wis. 2d 202, 168 N. W. 2d 281. We conclude it was error for the trial court to restrict the defendant's cross-examination of the accomplice who was granted immunity, but do not conclude it reaches such constitutional proportions as to constitute prejudicial error requiring a reversal.