P. v. Parker CA4/3
Generally, prosecutors cannot introduce character evidence as part of the proof that a defendant committed a crime. However, if a defendant introduces evidence of an alleged victim’s character for violence, the prosecution can then introduce evidence of the defendant’s character for violence. (Evid. Code, § 1103, subd. (b).)
Here, defendant Richard Arnold Parker II hit his girlfriend Miesha D. over the head with a drinking glass, causing an injury; thereafter, Miesha stabbed Parker in the chest with a knife. At trial, Parker introduced evidence regarding Miesha’s character for violence. The prosecution introduced evidence regarding Parker’s character for violence. A jury found Parker guilty of an aggravated battery and related crimes.
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