Opinion ID: 2260527
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion to Exclude Evidence of Other Crimes

Text: Prior to Gardiner's testimony, Howard's defense counsel made a motion in limine to prohibit any testimony by Gardiner about Howard's purchase and consumption of cocaine. Howard objected to the admission of Gardiner's testimony regarding the evidence of other crimes or bad acts, arguing that it was irrelevant and impermissible under D.R.E. 404. Howard argued, alternatively, that even if such testimony was relevant, it should be excluded because its probative value to the State was substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice to her. D.R.E. 403. The State argued that the testimony was admissible as evidence of a plan and motive, i.e., that the purchase and use of the drugs was Howard's ultimate objective and, therefore, part of the conspiracy involving the passing of the forged checks. Before the trial judge ruled that the evidence of other crimes was admissible, he balanced the prejudice of the drug related evidence to Howard against the materiality and relevance of the proffered testimony to the State's case. The trial judge ruled that Gardiner's testimonial evidence of other crimes would be admissible to explain the motive for transferring the checks, as well as to demonstrate the plan between Gardiner and Howard as co-conspirators. In the subsequent charge to the jury, the trial judge also included an instruction explaining the limited purpose for which the drug related evidence had been offered and admitted.