Opinion ID: 2626390
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alleged Disregard of Evidentiary Rulings

Text: Twice during his examination of M., the prosecutor asked about events not disclosed during the in limine hearing concerning evidence of the factor (b) crimes. One question asked whether M. had tried to interrupt a fight between her mother and defendant, and the other question asked if she had heard a taped message between defendant and her mother in the months before trial. When the defense objected to the first question, the court summoned counsel to the bench to discuss the matter. However, as soon as the second question was asked, the court called a conference without any prompting from the defense. Counsel then objected at the bench. Each time, the court reprimanded the prosecutor for trying to admit aggravating evidence not included in his offer of proof. During the second hearing, the court threatened to admonish the prosecutor in front of the jury or to grant a mistrial if the problem recurred. Defendant maintains the prosecutor improperly tried to elicit inadmissible evidence in violation of a court ruling. ( People v. Silva (2001) 25 Cal.4th 345, 373, 106 Cal.Rptr.2d 93, 21 P.3d 769.) It appears the claim has been preserved for appeal even though no request for an admonition was made at trial. The court made clear after sustaining the second defense objection that it was not prepared to take any other curative action at that time. ( People v. Hill, supra, 17 Cal.4th 800, 820-821, 72 Cal.Rptr.2d 656, 952 P.2d 673.) But, any impropriety was not so egregious as to render the trial unfair or to prejudice defendant. ( People v. Silva, supra, 25 Cal.4th at p. 373, 106 Cal.Rptr.2d 93, 21 P.3d 769.) The disputed questions involved events that were extremely minor compared to the sodomy murder of Carol, the rape of Valery C., and the forced serial sodomy of defendant's daughters. The court also intervened before M. could give any damaging details. We reject the claim.