State v. Jasso
248 Or. App. 347
Or. Ct. App.2012Background
- Jasso was convicted after a jury trial of two counts of robbery in the second degree and one count of burglary in the first degree.
- At trial, the state sought to admit a drawing found in Jasso's backpack depicting a masked man with a gun, to show involvement beyond mere presence.
- Defendant objected under OEC 403, arguing the drawing was more prejudicial than probative.
- The trial court admitted the drawing, ruling it was relevant and admissible under OEC 404(4) as other crimes, wrongs, or acts, and did not engage in 403 balancing.
- The backpack also contained defendant's belongings, including a school paper bearing the drawing.
- On appeal, Jasso argued the court should have balanced probative value against unfair prejudice; the court held the constitutional argument was not preserved and affirmed.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the trial court was required to balance under OEC 403 for the drawing | Jasso: must balance under 403 due to unfair prejudice | Jasso: 403 balancing required by due process | Not preserved; no 403 balancing required absent due process |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Wyant, 217 Or.App. 199 (Or.App. 2007) (OEC 404(4) balancing only when due process requires)
- State v. Moore/Coen, 349 Or. 371 (Or. 2010) (OEC 404(4) constitutional; not unconstitutional)
- State v. Wyatt, 331 Or. 335 (Or. 2000) (preservation requirement for objections)
- State v. Sewell, 222 Or.App. 423 (Or.App. 2008) (reviewing legal error for admissibility of relevant evidence)
- State v. Mayfield, 302 Or. 631 (Or. 1987) (relevance and admissibility standards for evidence)
