Opinion ID: 2011229
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The State's Argument and Rebuttal Argument

Text: Williams contends that, during closing argument, the prosecutor made improper statements of opinion concerning the credibility of a witness. Because Williams failed to object to the challenged statements at trial, we review only for obvious error affecting substantial rights. M.R.Crim.P. 52(b); State v. True, 438 A.2d 460, 467 (Me.1981). We will reverse a trial court judgment on the basis of an error that was not called to the attention of the court at the time it occurred only when the error complained of is so highly prejudicial and so taints the proceeding as to virtually deprive the defendant of a fair trial. True, 438 A.2d at 468. Here, Williams challenges the prosecutor's statements that his version of the facts was not the way it happened. [7] A lawyer is permitted to argue, on his analysis of the evidence, for any position or conclusion with respect to the matters stated therein.... State v. Harnish, 560 A.2d 5, 9 (Me.1989) (quoting M.Bar R. 3.7(e)(2)(v)). There were five witnesses who testified that Moontri and Williams attacked McDowell and that McDowell was leaning forward with his hands over his head in an effort to protect himself. Only Williams testified that McDowell had the upper hand. Witnesses testified that Moontri and Williams were simultaneously punching McDowell from the back and front. The prosecutor's comments were based on the evidence. While it may be possible to characterize these comments as expressing the prosecutor's personal opinion of Williams's credibility, they do not rise to the level of obvious error.