Opinion ID: 1834906
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: did trial judge clearly abuse his discretion by denying the motion for mistrial?

Text: Trial courts have considerable discretion not only in granting or denying a mistrial ( State v. Closs, 366 N.W.2d 138, 143 (S.D.1985)) but also in determining the prejudicial effect of a witness' statements. State v. Michalek, 407 N.W.2d 815, 818 (S.D.1987). Only when this discretion is clearly abused will this court overturn the trial court's decision. Id.; State v. Farley, 290 N.W.2d 491, 494 (S.D.1980). To justify the granting of a mistrial, an actual showing of prejudice must exist. Closs, 366 N.W.2d at 143; State v. Clabaugh, 346 N.W.2d 448, 451 (S.D.1984). Prejudicial error for purposes of determining whether error constitutes grounds for mistrial is error which in all probability must have produced some effect upon the jury's verdict and is harmful to the substantial rights of the party assigning it. Michalek, 407 N.W.2d at 818 ( citing State v. Dokken [,] 385 N.W.2d 493, 498 (S.D.1986)). State v. Blalack, 434 N.W.2d 55 (S.D.1988). Officer Schultz made an unresponsive answer which mentioned the fact that it was Myers' third DWI. The trial judge sustained Myers' objection, agreed to strike the answer, and admonished the jury to disregard the statement. The trial judge denied the motion for mistrial and noted several justifications: the answer was unresponsive and unintentional on the part of Officer Schultz; the trial judge was looking directly at the jury when the statement was made and he observed no effect on the jurors; the prosecuting attorney had not planned the event and could not anticipate it; evidence of Myers' guilt was overwhelming; all other actions requested by Myers were granted in an attempt to alleviate any effect of the statement. In light of the trial judge's reasoning, it was not a clear abuse of discretion to deny the motion for mistrial. Affirmed. MORGAN, WUEST, and SABERS, JJ., concur. HENDERSON, J., concurs in part and dissents in part.