State v. McCune
330 P.3d 1107
Kan.2014Background
- McCune was convicted by jury of two counts of rape of a child under 14 and sentenced under Jessica’s Law to two consecutive life sentences without parole (1,098 months).
- Pretrial, the State sought to admit 60-455 evidence of Missouri misconduct to show relationship, plan, and ongoing conduct; the district court allowed some evidence for these purposes.
- McCune moved for a psychiatric evaluation of the child witness (A.R.) under Gregg; the district court denied the motion.
- At trial, A.R. testified to years of physical and sexual abuse beginning in Missouri and continuing in Kansas, with corroborating testimony from Dr. Moffat and Detective Rader; the defense challenged credibility and timing of reporting.
- Sentencing: McCune argued Jessica’s Law was vague; the court rejected the vagueness challenge and imposed consecutive life terms plus related mandatory minimums under 21-4643(b).
- On appeal, the court affirmed the convictions, vacated lifetime postrelease supervision, and otherwise affirmed the sentence, with several pro se arguments rejected.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission of 60-455 evidence | McCune argues the district court admitted evidence primarily to prove credibility. | McCune contends admission violated 60-455’s limits and probative value was outweighed by prejudice. | District court did not abuse discretion; evidence properly related to material facts and ongoing conduct. |
| Constitutional condition on defense | McCune asserts the court forced surrender of Sixth Amendment rights to admit prior convictions. | State argues no unconstitutional condition and evidence could rebut credibility. | Unconstitutional-conditions doctrine not violated; no compelled sacrifice of rights. |
| Order of psychiatric evaluation of a witness | McCune contends the district court should have ordered a Gregg evaluation of A.R. | State argues lack of compelling circumstances and evidence of veracity issues. | District court did not abuse discretion; no compelling circumstances shown. |
| Vagueness of Jessica’s Law | McCune argues K.S.A. 21-4643 is unconstitutionally vague regarding sentencing and application. | State contends the statute is clear and not vague; sentencing procedure is proper. | Statute not unconstitutionally vague; vagueness challenge rejected. |
| Lifetime postrelease supervision | McCune contends lifetime postrelease supervision was unauthorized for an off-grid felony. | State defends imposition under existing jurisprudence; parole-related provisions apply. | Lifetime postrelease supervision vacated; remainder of sentence affirmed. |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Prine, 297 Kan. 460, 303 P.3d 662 (Kan. 2013) (expands admissibility of prior sexual misconduct under 60-455 to 'any matter' relevant and probative)
- State v. Blaurock, 41 Kan. App. 2d 178, 201 P.3d 728 (Kan. App. 2010) (discusses limits of plan signature and direct/causal connections)
- State v. Longstaff, 296 Kan. 884, 299 P.3d 268 (Kan. 2013) (examines requirements for strikingly similar or signature acts in 60-455 context)
- State v. Bourassa, 28 Kan. App. 2d 161, 15 P.3d 835 (Kan. App. 2000) (upholds district court’s denial of compelled psychiatric evaluation of a witness)
- State v. Stafford, 296 Kan. 25, 290 P.3d 562 (Kan. 2012) (reaffirms limited use of evidence where victim’s credibility is challenged)
- State v. Sprung, 294 Kan. 300, 277 P.3d 1100 (Kan. 2012) (denies abuse of discretion where victim engaged in inconsistent conduct)
- State v. Ivory, 273 Kan. 44, 41 P.3d 781 (Kan. 2002) (prior-issues jury-trial rights in enhancement cases)
