Opinion ID: 1908081
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Timing of Jackson Hearing

Text: The record in this case shows that the state gave pretrial notice to the defense of its intention to introduce evidence of other crimes, both adjudicated and unadjudicated, at the penalty phase. In a pleading filed on March 11, 2003, the state gave notice that it intended to introduce evidence of: (1) the second degree murder of Justin Bradley, which occurred on or about August 21, 2000 and for which offense the defendant was currently indicted; (2) the aggravated battery of Willie Bush, which occurred on or about October 25, 1999; (3) the defendant's conviction for possession of cocaine on or about July 16, 1989; and (4) the defendant's conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute on or about August 6, 1992. [47] The record also affirmatively reveals that the state provided to the state discovery relating to the second degree murder charge. Moreover, defense counsel appointed to represent the defendant on the first degree murder charge was also appointed to represent the defendant on the second degree murder charge. [48] Consequently, there is no doubt that the defense was provided with sufficient pre-trial notice of the unadjudicated second degree murder charge for which the state intended to present evidence at the penalty phase. The defense's contention is not that there was lack of notice of this unadjudicated conduct, but rather, the defendant complains that the state did not move for a hearing pre-trial to determine whether this evidence was admissible. The record supports the defense's contention that the state did not request a pre-trial hearing on this matter. After the guilt phase was completed, and the necessity for a penalty phase arose, the prosecutor reminded the trial court that the state had a considerable amount of penalty phase evidence concerning the unadjudicated homicide, the unadjudicated aggravated battery and two prior convictions. [49] After hearing the argument of counsel, the trial judge ruled that the prosecution would not be allowed to conduct a Jackson hearing at that time. The trial judge denied the state's request on the ground that the hearing was not held prior to trial. [50] From this ruling denying a determination of admissibility, the state took a writ to the court of appeal. The appellate court granted the state's writ and ordered the trial court to conduct a hearing on the proffered evidence, rule on its admissibility, and promptly continue with the sentencing phase of the trial. [51] No further review was sought on this issue. The appellate court ruling was correct under Comeaux. Although a pre-trial hearing may be the preferable mode, Comeaux makes clear that the Jackson hearing may be held during trial as well, as long as the hearing is outside the presence of the jury. Comeaux, 1993-2729 p. 9, 699 So.2d at 21. The defendant's argument here, that the defendant's trial was over because the guilt phase was completed, is unpersuasive. Clearly, a capital trial encompasses both the guilt phase and penalty phase. As long as a defendant has adequate pre-trial notice of the state's intent to introduce other crimes evidence, a Jackson hearing may properly be held after the adjudication of guilt and prior to the penalty phase, outside the presence of the jury. See State v. Manning, XXXX-XXXX p. 50 (La.10/19/04), 885 So.2d 1044, 1091, cert. denied, 544 U.S. 967, 125 S.Ct. 1745, 161 L.Ed.2d 612 (2005).