Ohler v. United States
United States Supreme Court
529 U.S 753 (2000)
- Written by Peggy Chen, JD
Facts
Maria Ohler (defendant) was charged with importing and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute. The prosecution (plaintiff) filed a motion in limine, seeking to introduce evidence of Ohler’s prior conviction for possession of methamphetamine under Federal Rule of Evidence 609. The district court granted the prosecution’s motion and held that if Ohler testified at trial, evidence of Ohler's prior conviction would be admissible. Ohler testified at trial. During direct examination, Ohler preemptively admitted the prior conviction. Ohler was convicted on both counts. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed. Ohler petitioned for certiorari, challenging the district court’s grant of the prosecution’s motion in limine. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, C.J.)
Dissent (Souter, J.)
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