Opinion ID: 2494269
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Whether the trial court erred in denying Gunn's motion for a mistrial.

Text: ¶ 13. Gunn argues that the following exchange between the prosecutor and Peterson violated his right against self-incrimination. Q. (Prosecutor) Investigator Peterson, when you advised the defendant of his rights, did he give you any statement? A. (Peterson) No, ma'am, he did not. Gunn's counsel made an objection and moved for a mistrial, which the trial court denied. ¶ 14. Whether to grant a motion for mistrial is within the sound discretion of the trial court. The standard of review for denial of a motion for mistrial is abuse of discretion. [6] Further, the test for whether reversal is required as a result of a prosecutor's improper comment at trial `is whether or not the natural and probable effect of the statement is to create an unjust prejudice against the accused so as to result in a decision influenced by prejudice.' [7] ¶ 15. It is improper and, ordinarily, reversible error to comment on the accused's post- Miranda silence. [8] And when the trial judge determines that the error does not reach the level of prejudice warranting a mistrial, the judge should admonish the jury to disregard the impropriety to cure its prejudicial effect. [9] Here, the exchange between the prosecutor and Peterson concerning Gunn's statement or lack thereof was improper. But we find that reversal is not warranted. ¶ 16. This Court has held that errors may be deemed harmless where the same result would have been reached had they not existed. [10] Under some circumstances, reversal is not required, even though the prosecutor asked questions about the defendant's post-arrest silence. [11] Such a circumstance is when the evidence weighs overwhelmingly against the defendant. [12] Here, multiple eyewitnesses and video documentation implicated Gunn. Moreover, the comment was not used to impeach Gunn's trial testimony, [13] nor did the State revisit this fact in its closing argument. Thus, the error was harmless.