United States v. Spriggs
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
102 F.3d 1245 (1996)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
The government (plaintiff) undertook a sting operation seeking to uncover widespread purchases of cars with money from cocaine deals. As a result of the sting operation, Spriggs (defendant), a car dealer, was charged. The prosecution called Rawls, a former detective, as an expert witness. On direct examination, the government asked Rawls what he knew about where local drug dealers bought their cars. Rawls testified that he had conducted interviews and learned that they purchased their cars at local dealerships. Spriggs did not object to this testimony when it was given. During cross-examination, Spriggs did raise an issue with Rawls’s testimony during a bench conference. However, Spriggs did not move to strike the testimony until the next day. Spriggs was convicted. Spriggs appealed, arguing that Rawls’s testimony was hearsay and should not have been admitted.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Per curiam)
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