Opinion ID: 896082
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: examination of neufeld's daughter

Text: [¶ 23] Neufeld argues the trial court erred by granting the state's motion in limine limiting his cross-examination of his daughter relating to her drug use and other instances of sexual conduct. [¶ 24] Although cross-examination is the primary mode of safeguarding the Sixth Amendment right of confrontation, the scope of cross-examination is a matter within the trial court's discretion. State v. Padgett, 410 N.W.2d 143, 147 (N.D.1987). Under Rule 608(b), N.D.R.Evid., the trial court may allow impeachment of a witness through cross-examination as to specific instances of conduct, only if the conduct in question is probative of the witness's character for truthfulness or untruthfulness. State v. Hilsman, 333 N.W.2d 411, 412 (N.D.1983). [¶ 25] One of the specific instances of conduct in question is alleged use of methamphetamines by Neufeld's daughter on June 14, 1993. Rodney Neufeld intended this evidence to tie this in as evidence of character and conduct of the witness ... under Rule 608. The general rule is questioning on drug use, alcohol, or trafficking in drugs is not permitted under Rule 608. 3 Christopher B. Mueller & Laird C. Kirkpatrick, Federal Evidence, § 268 (2d ed.1994); see also Padgett, 410 N.W.2d at 148 (stating being in business of selling marijuana not necessarily indicative of lack of truthfulness under Rule 608, N.D.R.Evid.). [A] witness's use of drugs may not be used to attack his general credibility. United States v. Clemons, 32 F.3d 1504, 1511 (11th Cir.1994). Whether Neufeld's daughter used methamphetamines on June 14, 1993, is not probative of her veracity or character for truthfulness or untruthfulness. Therefore, we do not believe the trial court abused its discretion by precluding cross-examination of Neufeld's daughter on any alleged drug usage. [¶ 26] Neufeld argues the trial court should not have limited cross-examination of his daughter on the topic of moving in with her boyfriend. Neufeld intended that testimony to challenge her credibility as to why she left home. Neufeld claims North Dakota's rape shield statute under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-20-14 does not apply because his daughter's sexual conduct was not the defense he was trying to raise. [¶ 27] Neufeld's argument is without merit. The State's motion in limine asked the trial court to exclude two things: (1) questioning on drug use, and (2) questioning of either victim about sexual activities with other individuals. The trial court granted the motion. Section 12.1-20-14(2), N.D.C.C., provides: If the prosecuting attorney introduces evidence, including testimony of a witness, or the complaining witness gives testimony as a witness, and such evidence or testimony relates to the complaining witness' sexual conduct, the defendant may cross-examine the witness who gives such testimony and offer relevant evidence limited specifically to the rebuttal of such evidence introduced by the prosecuting attorney or given by the complaining witness. It is clear from this statute, evidence of a complaining witness's sexual conduct may be brought up in cross-examination only when the prosecution has first introduced the evidence, and then only by limited rebuttal. [4] Section 12.1-20-15, N.D.C.C., requires the defense to move in writing in advance of trial, if evidence of sexual conduct is to be used to attack the credibility of the complaining witness. No such motion was made here. The trial court's ruling did not preclude Neufeld from cross-examining his daughter on why she ran away from home. The trial court's ruling only preluded questioning on drug use and the sexual conduct of the victims. [¶ 28] A review of the record shows Neufeld cross-examined his daughter as to why she ran away from home. Neufeld's daughter testified she ran away for several reasons, including problems dealing with what her father, Neufeld, had done to her, and problems with her stepfather. The defendant cannot claim prejudice because the questions he asked did not elicit the answers he wanted. Neufeld was not prejudiced by the trial court's ruling, as he was able to ask the questions of his daughter as to why she left home. Therefore, the trial court did not abuse it's discretion by precluding evidence of the past sexual conduct of the victims. [¶ 29] Because the defendant has failed to show any abuse of discretion by the trial court on the issues presented, the judgment and conviction are affirmed. [¶ 30] VANDE WALLE, C.J., and SANDSTROM, MESCHKE and MARING, JJ., concur.