Opinion ID: 1788650
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: was evidence relating to handguns and cash found on the defendants, and opinion testimony regarding same, improperly admitted?

Text: Scotti and Terry objected to the introduction of photographs of money and guns found at the scene. They further objected to officer Vasillion's opinion that guns and such money were things he would expect to find in the possession drug dealers.
Scotti and Terry concede that this Court has previously admitted into evidence guns as tools of the trade evidence. Martin v. State, 413 So.2d 730 (Miss. 1982), Hemphill v. State, 566 So.2d 207 (Miss. 1990). However, they argue, money is not relevant, and if so, it is substantially more prejudicial than probative, citing M.R.E. 401 & 403. They also object to the admission of about $2700 in cash. Such a substantial amount of money makes it more likely that Scotti and Terry were involved in drug-dealing. Thus, the evidence was relevant. In this case, it was certainly not prejudicial, in light of the fact that they were not convicted of the intent to transfer. They were convicted of only the possession charge.
The question presented is whether this opinion, that guns and money are usually associated with drug transactions, was an expert opinion. If so, Scotti and Terry argue that Vasillion was not listed as an expert witness in their discovery. The trial judge stated that Vasillion could not testify as an expert, but could give an opinion based on his previous personal knowledge. He then testified that he found money and weapons in this case, which based on his previous arrests in connection with controlled substances, he would expect to find with controlled substances. However, we need not decide this evidentiary issue, for the admission of this testimony does not appear to have harmed the defendants' case. This testimony was offered primarily to promote the state's charge of intent to transfer. The question posed to Officer Vasillion was an inquiry into whether guns and money were associated with drug dealing, not mere possession. The sisters were convicted of possession of marijuana, but without the intent to distribute. In light of the entire record, this testimony was harmless in its effect upon the conviction of possession. This assignment of error is without merit.