X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Argued September 2, 2009 Decided December 30, 2010

Before WASHINGTON, Chief Judge, BLACKBURNE-RIGSBY, Associate Judge, and NEBEKER, Senior Judge. BLACKBURNE-RIGSBY, Associate Judge: This case arises from a bizarre and elaborate

scheme devised by appellant to extort sexual favors from two victims, both of whom had been recently released from prison and were on probation or parole, by using a forged document and the threat of re-incarceration to coerce their compliance with certain sexual acts. We are asked in this appeal to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying appellant’s motion to sever and permitting the joint trial of the claims. A party seeking reversal must make a showing of the “most compelling prejudice” in order for this court to hold that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to sever properly joined offenses. Winestock v. United States, 429 A.2d 519, 527 (D.C. 1981) (citing United States v. Rhodes, 569 F.2d 384, 390 (5th Cir. 1978)). Here, appellant was not prejudiced by the trial court’s refusal to sever, as the evidence of appellant’s guilt would have been mutually admissible to prove each offense in separate trials. Therefore, as we will discuss, appellant has failed to make such a showing of compelling prejudice resulting from the denial of the motion to sever.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 25, 2025
Dallas, TX

The Texas Lawyer honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Texas.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

McCarter & English, LLP, a well established and growing law firm, is actively seeking a talented and driven associate having 2-5 years o...


Apply Now ›

Gill & Chamas, LLC seeks a Personal Injury attorney to work in their Woodbridge, NJ office. Candidate must possess the following: ...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney with a minimum of four years of experience in transactional work to join our well-established, nationally renowne...


Apply Now ›