Opinion ID: 1423334
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: evidence of uncharged conduct.

Text: The defendant alleges that the trial judge improperly admitted evidence of prior uncharged conduct. The evidence of the prior uncharged conduct was elicited through the testimony of the victim's great-grandmother, the victim's mother and through another witness. All three witnesses testified that on previous occasions, when the victim had just returned from visiting her father, the victim suffered from the same irritated vaginal condition that formed the basis of the present allegations. Zimmerman argues that the trial court failed to make the requisite finding that the probative value of this evidence outweighed the danger of unfair prejudice as required by I.R.E. 403. Evidence of prior crimes, wrongs, or acts is admissible for the purposes of proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. I.R.E. 404(b); see also State v. Moore, 120 Idaho 743, 819 P.2d 1143 (1991); State v. Paradis, 106 Idaho 117, 676 P.2d 31 (1984). The test for admitting evidence of prior conduct is twofold. First the trial court must determine that the evidence is relevant. I.R.E. 402; State v. Moore, 120 Idaho at 745, 819 P.2d at 1145. After finding the evidence relevant, the trial court must weigh the probative value of the evidence against the danger of unfair prejudice. I.R.E. 403; State v. Moore, 120 Idaho at 745, 819 P.2d at 1145. The balancing process is then within the sound discretion of the trial court. State v. Abel, 104 Idaho 865, 664 P.2d 772 (1983). The trial court found that the evidence was relevant for the purposes enumerated in I.R.E. 404(b). This finding was appropriate. Evidence of the prior conduct was very relevant to the proceedings. This evidence tended to prove that the irritated vaginal condition was not the product of a single isolated accident. Zimmerman claimed that bubble bath caused the victim's problem with her irritated vaginal area. The evidence of prior conduct showed that the victim had similar problems even when she had not had a bubble bath. This evidence strongly corroborates the victim's allegations, helps to establish the identity of the perpetrator, and is relevant to the parties' credibility. State v. Moore, 120 Idaho at 745-46, 819 P.2d at 1145-46. The trial court correctly ruled that this evidence was relevant. The next step of the analysis requires the trial court to balance the probative value against the danger of unfair prejudice. While Zimmerman is correct that the trial court did not make a specific finding as to this element, a review of the record shows that the trial court performed this balancing test in ruling upon the evidence. Before admitting any testimony regarding prior incidents involving the victim's irritated vaginal area, the trial court required that the incidents must have occurred within a reasonably short time after the victim had visited Zimmerman. The trial court then gave the jury an appropriate limiting instruction. Thus, the trial court performed a proper balancing test, and the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting this evidence.