Can a criminal case that's been reported and later dropped be used during trial even though its been dropped?

Question

Can a criminal case that's been reported and later dropped be used during trial by the DA against the defendant? Even though it was previously dropped way before the court trial? BTW, this is in California.

Answer 1

The only convictions which can be introduced to impeach the testimony of a witness are felony convictions. However, proof of any relevant CONDUCT can be introduced during a trial, whether or not that conduct resulted in a felony conviction--in fact, whether or not that conduct constituted a crime. The question is the relevance of the conduct. A jury will have to decide first whether the alleged conduct took place. If they do, it may be relevant on one of several grounds: impeachment, to show the defendant (or other witness) acted in accordance with habit or custom, to show that the person acted with the same intent on a prior occasion as is now alleged, etc., etc.

Answer 2

Criminal Record Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfos.com/Support

Answer 3

It depends if you the accuser decides to testify on your behave. The DA can trick you to answer a in direct question with respect to your prior dismissed case. If you answer the DA's question you leave the door open for him to come at you with the direct question which he would use as an example when you answer it with a yes.

He can't use it against you if you don't testify. Because it can back fire on him.

Answer 4

Criminal Record Search Database - http://tinyurl.com/C3SyLCioSG

Answer 5

If memory serves me correctly....priors can be used during the sentencing phase of a trial.

Maybe one of my brethren from California can provide a better response!

Answer 6

Seems to me they can't use that as evidence against a person, unless they've been convicted of the previous offense.

Answer 7

Ask OJ