Opinion ID: 2335012
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: evidence of preston's prior drug conviction was inadmissible

Text: Preston argues evidence of his prior possession of cocaine conviction was admitted in violation of K.S.A. 60-455, citing Boggs. He argues the district court improperly held that the prior conviction was admissible to prove intent to sell, even though his intent was not disputed because he claimed the drugs were not his. Preston argues the only purpose for admitting the evidence was to establish a propensity for possessing drugs, which is improper under Boggs, 287 Kan. at 317, 197 P.3d 441 (If a person asserts that he or she does not know that there are drugs in a residence [or vehicle], prior use of drugs neither proves nor disproves the validity of that assertion.). The State argues Preston's intent was disputed because this is a constructive possession case. In the alternative, the State argues admission of the prior conviction evidence was harmless. We hold that the prior conviction was inadmissible under K.S.A. 60-455 because Preston's intent was not in dispute, and we reverse his convictions because the error affected his substantial rights. See K.S.A. 60-261.