Opinion ID: 900903
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Dr Abrams' Professional License

Text: [¶ 48.] DM & E also contends that evidence pertaining to Abrams' optometry license should have been admitted. DM & E contended that Abrams' license was revoked because of Abrams' alleged misconduct. Abrams, however, testified that he voluntarily relinquished his license rather than contest the alleged allegations. [¶ 49.] The trial court has broad discretion in the admissibility of relevant evidence and, although evidence may be relevant, it is not always admissible. SDCL 19-12-3 provides: Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. [¶ 50.] The trial court, pursuant to a motion in limine, ordered that any reference to Abrams surrendering his license should be redacted from his taped testimony. [4] [¶ 51.] While it often constitutes permissible impeachment to cross-examine expert witnesses on issues that reflect on credibility, there are limits. In this case, the court reasoned that it would be more prejudicial than probative to allow testimony which amounted to no more than mere allegations of misconduct. DM & E established no basis for questioning Abrams about these allegations as there was no evidence that Abrams lost his license due to misconduct. Abrams was not charged with or convicted of any crime and no administrative agency made findings of fact or entered conclusions of law regarding misconduct by Abrams. [¶ 52.] The trial court determined that admitting allegations of misconduct by Abrams into evidence would be highly prejudicial. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding testimony regarding the alleged misconduct.