Opinion ID: 507830
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Government Reopening Case In Chief

Text: 20 Appellant asserts that the trial court erred in allowing the government to reopen its case in chief to ask a narcotics agent about the use of digital pagers (beepers). 5 Detective Leyshock had previously testified as an expert, based on his experience as a narcotics agent, about the processes used to cut and distribute heroin, the street value associated with the drug, and various other related areas. The government, however, had not previously asked Detective Leyshock about the beepers and the trial judge allowed the government to reopen its case in chief for this limited purpose. 21 Appellant contends that the trial court erred. This issue is without merit. Questions relating to the order of proof and permission to reopen its case after resting are entrusted to the trial court's wide discretion. United States v. Webb, 533 F.2d 391, 395 (8th Cir.1976). The District Judge considered the question, after allowing both the government and the defendant to present argument. We hold that no abuse of discretion exists. 22 In response to one of the defendant's cross-examination questions, Detective Leyshock stated that, ... While the beepers were in my possession, people constantly called him that night and were placing orders over the phone. The defendant objected to the answer as non-responsive and then made a motion for a mistrial based upon the detective's prejudicial answer. The Court denied his motion. Appellant argues that a mistrial was appropriate and the trial Court's error warrants a reversal and a new trial. We do not agree. 23 The question before this Court is whether the District Court abused its discretion in denying defendant's motion. We hold that the testimony when viewed in the context of the whole trial, was not so offensive as to warrant a mistrial. See, United States v. Krapp, 815 F.2d 1183 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 108 S.Ct. 174, 98 L.Ed.2d 127 (1987). A District Court has broad discretion in determining whether alleged prejudicial evidence so tainted the trial as to require a mistrial and an appellate court may only reverse upon a showing of abuse of discretion. United States v. Pierce, 792 F.2d 740, 742 (8th Cir.1986). Viewed in the context of the entire trial, it cannot be said that the statement was so offensive as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial. United States v. Bohr, 581 F.2d 1294, 1301 (8th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 958, 99 S.Ct. 361, 58 L.Ed.2d 351 (1978).