Opinion ID: 1818872
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Polling Expert

Text: Generally, a motion for change of venue must be accompanied by affidavits or other evidence in the record. State v. Lufkins, 309 N.W.2d 331 (S.D.1981). Defendant was unable to produce such evidence of prejudice and asked the trial court to appoint a polling expert to conduct a public opinion survey for evidence supporting the motion for change of venue. The court denied the motion. The refusal of the trial court to grant a motion for a public opinion survey rests within the sound discretion of the trial court. State v. Bonrud, 393 N.W.2d 785 (S.D.1986); State v. Marshall, 264 N.W.2d 911 (S.D.1978). Based on its experience, the trial court felt that a poll was unnecessary and also probably less reliable than the voir dire process in determining community and individual prejudice. We do not believe the trial court abused its discretion in denying defendant's motion for a survey. Voir dire examination is the better forum for ascertaining the existence of hostility towards the accused. Reutter, 374 N.W.2d at 629; Reiman, 284 N.W.2d at 867. In this case the voir dire examination indicates that only twelve potential jurors had formed an opinion as to defendant's guilt, and all twelve were removed for cause. Moreover, the results of the voir dire indicate an impartial jury was impaneled. None of the jurors read the Rapid City Journal article, none of them had formed an opinion as to defendant's guilt, all were passed for cause by the defendant, and there is no claim that any member of the jury was biased and yet allowed to sit on the jury. We therefore find no abuse of discretion.