289 P.3d 348
Or. Ct. App.2012Background
- B, a 12-year-old, told M that defendant, her great uncle, touched her when she was 10.
- B’s mother contacted CPS and law enforcement; CARES evaluation followed.
- Detective LaCrosse arranged and recorded an approximately 90-minute phone call between B and defendant.
- State notified defendant pretrial it would offer hearsay statements under OEC 803(18a)(b) identified by reports to CARES staff and others.
- Trial court admitted the hearsay; defendant was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse.
- On appeal, court reverses due to insufficient OEC 803(18a)(b) notice and does not address sentencing issue.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether notice under OEC 803(18a)(b) was sufficient | State argues notice identified the substance and witnesses as required by Olsen/Chase | Olsen requires specific particulars; notice here insufficient | Notice insufficient; admission error reversible |
| Whether the error was harmless | Despite error, impact on verdict is minimal | Erroneous admission could have affected credibility | Error not harmless; reversal of conviction warranted |
| Whether statements were admissible under OEC 801(4)(a)(B) as prior consistent statements | Statements could be admissible to rebut fabrication charge | Moot because motive to fabricate arose after disclosure; not admissible | Rejected as independent basis; ultimately reversal based on 803(18a)(b) notice |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Olsen, 220 Or. App. 85 (Or. App. 2008) (requires identifying the substance and witness in 803(18a)(b) notice)
- State v. Chase, 240 Or. App. 541 (Or. App. 2011) (clarifies notice must identify particulars of statements and how introduced)
- State v. Iverson, 185 Or. App. 9 (Or. App. 2002) (harms analysis; dire need to assess impact of improperly admitted hearsay)
- Keys v. Nadel, 325 Or. 324 (Or. 1997) (only pre-motive-consistent statements before fabrication are admissible)
