State v. Matthews

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After a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of six felonies arising from a shooting involving multiple victims, including attempted first degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony with respect to Kevin Guzman. The court of appeals reversed Defendant’s convictions as to Guzman and remanded for a new trial, concluding that the trial court erred in excluding Guzman’s testimony as to Guzman’s aggressive and violent character while using drugs and alcohol. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that the court of appeals erred in determining that Defendant’s self-defense claim was prejudiced by the exclusion of evidence of Guzman’s aggressive and violent behavior. Remanded with direction that the relevant convictions and sentences be reinstated. View "State v. Matthews" on Justia Law