{ "id": 725390, "name": "STATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. David Sylvester LAMURE, Sr., Defendant-Appellant", "name_abbreviation": "State v. Lamure", "decision_date": "1992-12-21", "docket_number": "No. 13255", "first_page": "61", "last_page": "73", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "115 N.M. 61" }, { "type": "parallel", "cite": "846 P.2d 1070" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.M. Ct. App.", "id": 9025, "name": "Court of Appeals of New Mexico" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 52, "name_long": "New Mexico", "name": "N.M." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "109 N.M. 21", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1590309 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "32", "parenthetical": "where there has been no accumulation of irregularities at trial, cumulative error does not exist" }, { "page": "304", "parenthetical": "where there has been no accumulation of irregularities at trial, cumulative error does not exist" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/109/0021-01" ] }, { "cite": "72 L.Ed.2d 447", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "L. Ed. 2d", "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "102 S.Ct. 1980", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "S. Ct.", "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "456 U.S. 930", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "U.S.", "case_ids": [ 6271104, 6270592, 6271427, 6270216, 6269864, 6268428, 6271762, 6268691, 6270871, 6269276, 6269598, 6268959 ], "year": 1982, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/us/456/0930-10", "/us/456/0930-08", "/us/456/0930-11", "/us/456/0930-07", "/us/456/0930-06", "/us/456/0930-01", "/us/456/0930-12", "/us/456/0930-02", "/us/456/0930-09", "/us/456/0930-04", "/us/456/0930-05", "/us/456/0930-03" ] }, { "cite": "96 N.M. 658", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1577307 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1981, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/96/0658-01" ] }, { "cite": "108 N.M. 722", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1592783 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1989, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "731" }, { "page": "110" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/108/0722-01" ] }, { "cite": "101 N.M. 7", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1586377 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "10", "parenthetical": "an assertion of prejudice is not a showing of prejudice" }, { "page": "628", "parenthetical": "an assertion of prejudice is not a showing of prejudice" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/101/0007-01" ] }, { "cite": "802 P.2d 1290", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.2d", "year": 1990, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "111 N.M. 144", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "year": 1990, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "111 N.M. 191", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 715154 ], "weight": 4, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "194" }, { "page": "679" }, { "page": "680", "parenthetical": "quoting from F. 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Rothblatt, Successful Techniques for Criminal Trials 25:16, at 565-66 (2d ed. 1985)" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/111/0191-01" ] }, { "cite": "100 N.M. 764", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1588533 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1984, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "765", "parenthetical": "appellant must present argument and authority on each appellate issue" }, { "page": "1330", "parenthetical": "appellant must present argument and authority on each appellate issue" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/100/0764-01" ] }, { "cite": "715 P.2d 71", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.2d", "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "103 N.M. 798", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "104 N.M. 88", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1594971 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "94" }, { "page": "70" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/104/0088-01" ] }, { "cite": "114 N.M. 489", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 731672 ], "weight": 4, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "493" }, { "page": "1259" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/114/0489-01" ] }, { "cite": "37 N.M. 296", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1575370 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1933, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "301" }, { "page": "123" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/37/0296-01" ] }, { "cite": "102 N.M. 695", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1580236 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "702" }, { "page": "633" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/102/0695-01" ] }, { "cite": "103 N.M. 100", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 711418 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1985, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "104" }, { "page": "881" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/103/0100-01" ] }, { "cite": "85 N.M. 742", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 2770170 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "743-44" }, { "page": "1126-27" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/85/0742-01" ] }, { "cite": "84 N.M. 512", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 2763464, 2766830, 2768511 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1972, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/84/0512-02", "/nm/84/0512-03", "/nm/84/0512-01" ] }, { "cite": "84 N.M. 519", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 2764970 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "521" }, { "page": "864" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/84/0519-01" ] }, { "cite": "82 N.M. 534", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5333672, 5336026, 5328933 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1971, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/82/0534-02", "/nm/82/0534-01", "/nm/82/0534-03" ] }, { "cite": "82 N.M. 543", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5334220 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "548" }, { "page": "768" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/82/0543-01" ] }, { "cite": "100 N.M. 643", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1588657 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "646" }, { "page": "536" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/100/0643-01" ] }, { "cite": "761 P.2d 424", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.2d", "year": 1988, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "107 N.M. 546", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "year": 1988, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "107 N.M. 611", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1597066 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "615" }, { "page": "902" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/107/0611-01" ] }, { "cite": "726 P.2d 856", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.2d", "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "104 N.M. 702", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "year": 1986, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "105 N.M. 5", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1598941 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "8" }, { "page": "947" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/105/0005-01" ] }, { "cite": "784 P.2d 1005", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.2d", "year": 1989, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "109 N.M. 262", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "year": 1989, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "109 N.M. 351", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1590340 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "353-54" }, { "page": "264-65" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/109/0351-01" ] }, { "cite": "111 N.M. 165", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 715112 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1990, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "170" }, { "page": "259" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nm/111/0165-01" ] }, { "cite": "83 N.M. 526", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5340841 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1972, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nm/83/0526-01" ] }, { "cite": "216 P. 1048", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.", "year": 1923, "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "28 N.M. 641", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 8843551 ], "year": 1923, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nm/28/0641-01" ] }, { "cite": "784 F.2d 1040", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.2d", "case_ids": [ 1548186 ], "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1045" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/f2d/784/1040-01" ] }, { "cite": "114 N.M. 668", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 731530 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nm/114/0668-01" ] }, { "cite": "66 Iowa L.Rev. 777", "category": "journals:journal", "reporter": "Iowa L. Rev.", "year": 1981, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "806", "parenthetical": "probative value must outweigh danger of prejudice, etc." } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "114 N.M. 472", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 731653 ], "weight": 2, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "477" }, { "page": "1243" } ], "opinion_index": 1, "case_paths": [ "/nm/114/0472-01" ] }, { "cite": "120 F.R.D. 299", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "F.R.D.", "year": 1987, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "322-24" } ], "opinion_index": 1 }, { "cite": "13 N.M.L.Rev. 423", "category": "journals:journal", "reporter": "N.M. L. Rev.", "year": 1983, "opinion_index": 1 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1622, "char_count": 47072, "ocr_confidence": 0.774, "pagerank": { "raw": 2.1330825102616348e-07, "percentile": 0.7661110744294358 }, "sha256": "837c6491592fde6b2f5d40a2d914c20327f603b586eeac7079676a3ef5d98754", "simhash": "1:b225472d7bb99c99", "word_count": 7635 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T14:46:31.960097+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "DONNELLY, J., concurs.", "HARTZ, J., specially concurs." ], "parties": [ "STATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. David Sylvester LAMURE, Sr., Defendant-Appellant." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "OPINION\nBIVINS, Judge.\nDefendant, a pathologist, appeals his convictions on five counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor (CSCM), two counts of criminal sexual penetration (CSP), and one count of extortion, all involving one adolescent victim. He makes the following claims on appeal: (1) ineffective assistance of counsel in (a) failing to diligently investigate an alibi, (b) failing to object to evidence of prior bad acts involving other adolescents, and (c) failing to object to allegedly improper closing argument; (2) trial court error in (a) permitting the State to amend the indictment at trial in light of the court\u2019s simultaneous denial of Defendant\u2019s request for a continuance to investigate possible alibi witnesses, (b) denying Defendant\u2019s motion in limine to exclude evidence of uncharged misconduct involving Defendant\u2019s two sons; (3) reversible error resulting from the prosecutor\u2019s closing argument; (4) reversible error resulting from missing exhibits; and (5) cumulative error resulting in denial of a fair trial. We affirm.\nBACKGROUND\nDefendant was indicted on numerous counts involving a single adolescent victim. The indictment included two counts of extortion, twelve counts of CSCM, one count of kidnapping, and seven counts of CSP. Defendant admitted to having a sexual relationship with the victim. That fact was not at issue. The primary issues centered around when some of these activities occurred and, most importantly, whether they all occurred consensually or as a result of Defendant\u2019s improper use of his position of authority to coerce the victim. It is important to keep in mind that the defense strategy was to openly and forthrightly reveal Defendant\u2019s sexual problems in an attempt to convince the jury that he did not coerce the victim. In short, Defendant presented himself as powerless over his addiction to deviant sexual behavior and felt it important to divulge this sickness. This strategy was not altogether unsuccessful. The jury acquitted Defendant on many of the charges.\n1. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel\nAfter trial, Defendant employed new counsel to pursue a motion to reconsider denial of a motion for a new trial, and also to handle this appeal. Although Defendant presents his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel under several different points, we discuss them together. We apply the standards set forth in State v. Crislip, 109 N.M. 351, 353-54, 785 P.2d 262, 264-65 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 109 N.M. 262, 784 P.2d 1005 (1989).\na. Failing to Investigate Alibi\nUnder the State\u2019s charges, Defendant\u2019s sexual activities with the victim occurred during four time periods. The second time period was described in the indictment as being \u201con or about August 22,1987.\u201d During trial, after the victim testified, it became apparent that the date should have been August 25 rather than August 22. The State successfully moved to amend the pertinent counts of the indictment. The trial court denied Defendant\u2019s request for a continuance to investigate possible alibi witnesses for August 25.\nDefendant claims his counsel was ineffective for failing to discover, prior to trial, his exact whereabouts on August 25, 1987, the date of the second series of alleged sexual encounters with the victim. After trial, counsel was able to find telephone and hospital records that indicated Defendant did not arrive at the hospital, the location of the alleged encounters, until 6:00 p.m. on that day and was in a staff meeting for part of the evening. Defendant moved for a new trial, alleging newly discovered evidence and adding the ineffective assistance of counsel claim. After an evidentiary hearing on the motion, the trial court denied it, stating that the new evidence would not change the result of the trial because, although it established Defendant\u2019s whereabouts on August 25, the victim\u2019s whereabouts on that date were never clear. In other words, even with the new evidence the jury could have found that the victim and Defendant were at the hospital at the same time.\nIt is clear that counsel could have discovered, prior to trial, the more detailed information about his client\u2019s activities on August 25. However, counsel\u2019s testimony at the hearing on the motion for new trial established that he had good reasons for failing to do so, so that the failure did not constitute ineffective assistance. First, Defendant himself had told counsel that the hospital did not have staff meetings during the summer, and did not tell counsel of that particular staff meeting. Also, August 25 was after school started for the victim, and the victim\u2019s pretrial statements indicated he did not work at the hospital after school began, and that he was last at the hospital on August 21, for a banquet. Counsel therefore focused on the victim\u2019s whereabouts and not on Defendant\u2019s. Counsel also tried to determine whether there was a record at the hospital that would establish when the pathologists were at the hospital and in the laboratory, and was told there was no such record. At the hearing, counsel testified that \u201c[y]ou could characterize it that the defendant forgot to tell me he was at the meeting,\u201d so that counsel believed there was no meeting. At the same time, counsel also believed that no one remembered where they were on August 25, 1987, and that no records existed with which they could refresh their memories. All of this establishes that the failure to more fully develop Defendant\u2019s whereabouts was caused partly by Defendant\u2019s own misstatements to counsel, and partly by counsel\u2019s strategic decision to focus on the victim\u2019s location rather than Defendant\u2019s.\nUnder these circumstances, we do not believe that the trial court was compelled to find ineffective assistance of counsel. See State v. Dean, 105 N.M. 5, 8, 727 P.2d 944, 947 (Ct.App.) (this court will not attempt to second-guess tactics and strategy of trial counsel), cert. denied, 104 N.M. 702, 726 P.2d 856 (1986).\nb. Failing to Object to Prior Bad Acts Evidence\nThe trial court conducted a pretrial hearing on Defendant\u2019s motion in limine to exclude evidence of prior bad acts involving a number of adolescent males, including Defendant\u2019s two sons, all of whom had been named by the State as witnesses. At the hearing, the defense put on evidence through Dr. Dougher, a clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of sex offenders. This testimony previewed much of what would be offered by the defense at trial. Dr. Dougher stated that it was his opinion that Defendant is a homosexual hebephile and that, based on a review of extensive records, including records of sexual activities between Defendant and a number of the other adolescent males, it was not likely that Defendant used force or coercion in his sexual encounters. The psychologist discerned a pattern involving all of these adolescents, including the victim, in which Defendant boldly touched the adolescent\u2019s genitals; observed for reaction; progressed if the approach was accepted; and backed off if the approach was rejected.\nAt that hearing and following Dr. Dougher\u2019s testimony, defense counsel withdrew his objection to the State\u2019s calling the adolescent males as witnesses, because such testimony would provide essential background for Dr. Dougher\u2019s opinion testimony. He indicated, however, that he would object to the State\u2019s calling Defendant\u2019s two sons because that testimony was highly prejudicial, confusing, and not relevant to any issues. The admissibility of the sons\u2019 testimony will be discussed later.\nWe reject Defendant\u2019s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel based on withdrawal of the objection. The withdrawal of the objection to the testimony was clearly a matter of tactics and strategy. As already noted, Defendant\u2019s position at trial was that, although he did have a sexual relationship with the victim, it was entirely voluntary on the victim\u2019s part. In presenting that position, Defendant relied on expert testimony about his condition of homosexual hebephilia, which causes him to be sexually attracted to male adolescents. Dr. Dougher testified that it was important for him, in forming an opinion about Defendant\u2019s condition, to understand Defendant\u2019s sexual history. He also stated that the testimony of the other adolescents who had been approached by Defendant was important in determining whether there was a consistent pattern in the way Defendant approached the adolescents. Finally, Dr. Dougher gave his opinion that Defendant\u2019s claim of a noncoercive relationship with the victim was more consistent with Defendant\u2019s condition than the victim\u2019s claim of a coercive relationship. Thus, Defendant used the testimony of the adolescents to support the opinion of his expert witness which, in turn, bolstered his defense. The failure to object to this evidence, then, was a matter of trial tactics and strategy that we will not second-guess on appeal. See State v. Rodriguez, 107 N.M. 611, 615, 762 P.2d 898, 902 (Ct.App.) (ineffectiveness not necessarily established even when appellant establishes that trial counsel used improvident strategy or unsuccessful tactics), cert, denied, 107 N.M. 546, 761 P.2d 424 (1988).\nc. Failing to Object to Allegedly Improper Closing Argument\nDefendant claims failure of defense counsel to object to the use of prior misconduct in the State\u2019s closing argument constituted ineffective assistance of counsel. While failure to object to improper closing argument may constitute ineffective assistance, because we find no reversible error in these comments, see point 3, it follows that trial counsel\u2019s performance did not fall below the standards because he failed to object.\n2. Trial Court Error\na. Amendment of Indictment and Denial of Continuance\nThe indictment alleged that the second series of incidents occurred \u201con or about\u201d August 22. At trial, the victim testified, albeit ambiguously, that the incidents occurred on the Tuesday following the 18th, which would have been August 25. The State moved to amend the indictment to conform to the evidence. Defense counsel stated that there would be no objection, as long as Defendant was given an opportunity to investigate an alibi for August 25 and file a late notice of alibi if necessary. In response, the State argued that defense counsel\u2019s investigator had been aware of the changed date for several months. Defendant then objected to the amendment. The judge allowed the amendment, and said he would take defense counsel\u2019s request under advisement, and would not rule on it \u201cat this time.\u201d Defendant never renewed his request for more time to investigate an alibi.\nThe facts that the judge held his ruling in abeyance instead of denying Defendant\u2019s request, and that Defendant never renewed his request, are fatal to Defendant\u2019s position on this issue. A party must invoke a ruling from the trial court in order to preserve an issue for appeal; it is not enough to simply make a motion. See, e.g., State v. Cordova, 100 N.M. 643, 646, 674 P.2d 533, 536 (Ct.App.1983); State v. Andrada, 82 N.M. 543, 548, 484 P.2d 763, 768 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 82 N.M. 534, 484 P.2d 754 (1971). Since Defendant did not renew his request for more time, the trial court may well have thought Defendant had been able to investigate his alibi thoroughly while this multi-day trial was continuing. It would therefore be inappropriate to hold that the trial court erred. Cf. State v. Garcia, 84 N.M. 519, 521, 505 P.2d 862, 864 (Ct.App.) (where trial court denied motion for severance, but left open possibility of severing at a later time if prejudice became apparent, and defendant did not renew his motion for severance, defendant waived the issue), cert. denied, 84 N.M. 512, 505 P.2d 855 (1972).\nb. Incest Testimony by Defendant\u2019s Son\nAs noted above, at the pretrial hearing on the motion in limine, Defendant withdrew his objection to the State calling other adolescents, but continued to object to the State presenting evidence of Defendant\u2019s prior bad acts through Defendant\u2019s sons. At trial, the prosecutor called only one of Defendant\u2019s sons, Jeff. Jeff testified to incestuous conduct with Defendant that began when Jeff was eight years old and continued until he was fifteen. He said his father would crawl into bed and rub Jeff\u2019s genitals under the covers. He also said that Defendant did the same thing to Jeff\u2019s brother and that Jeff knew what was happening because he would hear his brother\u2019s underwear \u201csnap.\u201d Jeff testified that Defendant also rubbed Jeff\u2019s genitals in the shower, sometimes saying that he was giving Jeff a medical examination.\nIn objecting at the pretrial hearing, defense counsel urged that these acts were different from the relationships with the other adolescents; that their incestuous aspect made the acts different; that introducing evidence of them would create confusion; and that introducing evidence of them would compel the defense to go into Jeff\u2019s mental health problems.\nSCRA 1986, 11-404(B), states that:\nEvidence of other crimes, wrongs or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that he acted in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity or absence of mistake or accident.\nSee State v. Lopez, 85 N.M. 742, 743-44, 516 P.2d 1125, 1126-27 (Ct.App.1973). At the pretrial hearing, the trial court overruled Defendant\u2019s objection to the sons\u2019 testimony, indicating that it was relevant and came within one or more of the exceptions, such as motive, opportunity, or intent. The court stated that there were similarities between Defendant\u2019s activities with his sons and those alleged in the indictment, and that the evidence would be admitted.\nWe review the trial court\u2019s actions for abuse of discretion. State v. McGhee, 103 N.M. 100, 104, 703 P.2d 877, 881 (1985). Applying that standard, we hold that the court did not abuse its discretion in allowing Jeff\u2019s testimony at trial.\nEven assuming that the testimony could be said to prove Defendant\u2019s character or that he acted in conformity with this character, the evidence was not offered for that purpose. As previously discussed, the question of whether Defendant used his position of authority to coerce his victim was a critical issue in the case. Defendant argued at the pretrial hearing that the contacts with his sons were entirely different from those with the other adolescents. While there were some differences, certain similarities existed which made Defendant\u2019s contacts with his sons highly relevant and within one or more of the exceptions to the rule.\nIt was important for the State that it prove Defendant used his position of authority to coerce his victim. \u201cPosition of authority\u201d is defined as a \u201cposition occupied by a parent, relative, household member, teacher, employer or other person who, by reason of that position, is able to exercise undue influence over a child.\u201d NMSA 1978, \u00a7 30-9-10(D) (Repl.Pamp.1984). \u201cUndue influence\u201d has been defined as \u201c \u2018the result of moral, social, or domestic force exerted upon a party, so as to control the free action of his [or her] will----\u2019\u201d State v. Gillette, 102 N.M. 695, 702, 699 P.2d 626, 633 (Ct.App.1985) (quoting Trigg v. Trigg, 37 N.M. 296, 301, 22 P.2d 119, 123 (1933)). We agree with the trial court that the testimony of Defendant\u2019s son was probative of the coercion issue.\nThe relevance and probative value of this testimony can be demonstrated by comparing Jeff\u2019s testimony with that of one of the other adolescent victims, Terry. Terry testified that when he was thirteen or fourteen years of age, he went with Defendant\u2019s family to their cabin in Ruidoso. This was in 1975 or 1976. After they arrived, Defendant grabbed Terry in the groin area as he walked through the kitchen in the cabin. That night Defendant got into bed with Terry and put his hand inside the boy\u2019s underpants and attempted to masturbate him. Defendant then placed Terry\u2019s hand inside Defendant\u2019s pajamas and on Defendant\u2019s penis. Terry struck Defendant and ran from the room.\nThe following day, Defendant again grabbed Terry\u2019s groin. While driving back to Roswell, Defendant positioned the interi- or rear-view mirror so that he could look directly at Terry. Terry testified that Defendant gazed at him with an \u201cevil look\u201d which frightened and upset Terry.\nJeff testified similarly about Defendant\u2019s mean nature and his fear of Defendant. Jeff was so afraid that, on cross-examination, when defense counsel asked whether Jeff .enjoyed his father\u2019s sexual advances, Jeff testified that while he did not enjoy being touched, he enjoyed his father being nice to him, and that his father was nice on those occasions. At other times he was mean. Jeff said he was afraid of his father and could not look at him while on the witness stand. This type of control bore on the question of plan, design, and intent, as did Defendant\u2019s attempt to control Terry, and was relevant to counter Defendant\u2019s contention that the relationship between Defendant and the victim was consensual.\nWhile the contacts in question were with Defendant\u2019s sons, which made them different from those with the other boys, the use of control and the approach were similar.\nThe result we reach is consistent with State v. Lucero, 114 N.M. 489, 840 P.2d 1255 (App.1992). In the case before us, Jeff\u2019s testimony went directly to the question of whether Defendant had the plan, design, or intent to control the victim by use of position of authority. Jeff was an adolescent male when Defendant molested him, as was the victim, and Defendant used his position of authority as a father to attain his ends with Jeff, just as he used his position of authority as a supervisor to attain his ends with the victim. In Lucero, however, the evidence presented was so factually dissimilar to the alleged acts giving rise to the charges that it simply was not probative of plan, design, or intent. The Lucero Court flatly rejected the \u201cState\u2019s assertion that occasional rejection of Defendant\u2019s request for oral sex by his girlfriend is admissible to prove he sexually assaulted the seven-year-old daughter of a friend.\u201d Id. at 493, 840 P.2d at 1259. The factual differences between one act, arguing with an age-appropriate girlfriend about sex, and the other, sexually molesting a seven-year-old girl, simply were too great for the former to be admissible under Rule 11-404(B) to show that the defendant had the plan, design, or intent to commit the latter.\nAdditionally, SCRA 1986, 11-404(A)(1), permits evidence of a pertinent character trait when offered by an accused, or by the prosecution in rebuttal. As discussed earlier, the defense\u2019s theory was based on propensity. Defendant\u2019s expert testified that in his opinion Defendant did not use his position of authority or other types of coercion to get his way with boys. Jeff\u2019s testimony contradicted that theory. While that testimony was offered as part of the State\u2019s case, given the fact that the defense made its theory known as early as the pretrial hearing, the State could have anticipated this theory and offered rebuttal testimony before Defendant put on his case.\nIn balancing the probative value of evidence with its prejudicial effect, it ordinarily would be difficult to imagine anything more prejudicial than evidence of incest. Viewing the trial in its entirety, however, we believe that the testimony in question lost much of its sting. As already noted, the defense strategy was to present an open, unabashed disclosure of Defendant\u2019s sickness and to persuade the jury that the relationships were consensual, not coercive. That strategy brought before the jury a series of witnesses who depicted, in graphic detail, Defendant\u2019s activities, including meeting men in gay bars, hustling boys off the street, and frequenting adult video parlors. We believe the jury was so inoculated to such sordid testimony, the trial court could find that the evidence of incestuous activities added little prejudicial effect to what had already been presented.\nTherefore, we find no abuse of discretion in allowing this testimony under the unusual circumstances of this case.\n3. Closing Argument\nDefendant claims that the prosecutor engaged in an unfair closing argument that amounted to fundamental error. Since there was no objection, Defendant must rely on fundamental error. See SCRA 1986, 12-216 (Repl.1992).\nDefendant describes comments made by the prosecutor about Defendant\u2019s sickness, his hustling boys, and his activities in video parlors. These statements are based on the evidence. Comments on the evidence are not error or fundamental error. See State v. Taylor, 104 N.M. 88, 94, 717 P.2d 64, 70 (Ct.App.) (prosecution allowed reasonable latitude in closing argument, but remarks must be based on the evidence presented), cert. denied, 103 N.M. 798, 715 P.2d 71 (1986).\nNor do we find any error in the prosecutor\u2019s favorable comments about defense counsel, and Defendant has not provided argument or authority why this comment constitutes fundamental error. See In re Adoption of Doe, 100 N.M. 764, 765, 676 P.2d 1329, 1330 (1984) (appellant must present argument and authority on each appellate issue).\nFinally, Defendant argues that the prosecutor expressed his personal opinion or belief as to Defendant\u2019s guilt or the credibility of witnesses. While it is correct that a prosecutor is prohibited from expressing his or her personal view on these matters, see State v. Ferguson, 111 N.M. 191, 194, 803 P.2d 676, 679 (Ct.App.), cert. denied, 111 N.M. 144, 802 P.2d 1290 (1990), we believe the comments in question did not clearly violate that principle. We are not persuaded by the State\u2019s concession that the remarks were improper.\nThe prosecutor\u2019s comment that \u201cI think this [case] has the facts necessary for you to convict the accused,\u201d could be viewed as proper. See Id. at 195, 803 P.2d at 680 (quoting from F. Bailey & E.H. Rothblatt, Successful Techniques for Criminal Trials 25:16, at 565-66 (2d ed. 1985)). \u201c \u2018The right of a prosecuting attorney to draw in his argument all legitimate inferences from the evidence authorizes him to assert a belief based on the evidence that the accused is guilty.\u2019 \u201d Id.\nSimilarly, the comment about the State\u2019s burden of proving coercive use of authority and the prosecutor\u2019s belief that Defendant was in a position of authority could be viewed as drawing on the evidence. While the prosecutor should not have prefaced his remark about the statements of Garth Dennis, with whom the victim had a relationship, with \u201cI think,\u201d we are not persuaded that the jury would necessarily have considered the remark personal rather than something established by the evidence and inferences.\nWe will not find fundamental error in an ambiguous comment when a timely objection would have afforded the court and the prosecutor an opportunity to cure any problem by resolving the ambiguity.\n4. Loss of Exhibits\nDefendant claims he was prejudiced by the loss of two photographs that were introduced into evidence. However, he does not explain how he was prejudiced. See State v. Hoxsie, 101 N.M. 7, 10, 677 P.2d 620, 628 (1984) (an assertion of prejudice is not a showing of prejudice), overruled on other grounds by Gallegos v. Citizens Ins. Agency, 108 N.M. 722, 731, 779 P.2d 99, 110 (1989).\nDefendant relies on State v. Chouinard, 96 N.M. 658, 634 P.2d 680 (1981), cert. denied, 456 U.S. 930, 102 S.Ct. 1980, 72 L.Ed.2d 447 (1982). Defendant\u2019s reliance is misplaced. Chouinard involved the destruction of evidence before trial. Here, we are dealing with two photographs, both of which were apparently admitted into evidence and presumably published to the jury. Thus, Defendant was not deprived of the opportunity to have the jury consider these photographs, even if the jury was unable to take them to the jury room during the deliberations. The loss of the exhibits does not require reversal.\n5. Cumulative Error\nHaving found that no error occurred, we reject this claim. See State v. Isiah, 109 N.M. 21, 32, 781 P.2d 293, 304 (1989) (where there has been no accumulation of irregularities at trial, cumulative error does not exist).\nWe affirm Defendant\u2019s convictions.\nIT IS SO ORDERED.\nDONNELLY, J., concurs.\nHARTZ, J., specially concurs.\n. Under the circumstances of this case, Defendant may not have had a choice but to pursue the strategy he did. His wife knew about his relationship with the victim, and he had been forced to (or volunteered to, it is not clear which) undergo treatment as a result. His wife had spoken to the victim\u2019s mother about the relationship between Defendant and the victim. Therefore, Defendant could hardly succeed with a defense strategy of denying that anything had ever happened between the victim and himself.\n. Given the defense strategy to openly disclose Defendant\u2019s deviant sexual behavior, character and propensity were nonissues in the context of the State\u2019s case. Defendant admitted to a propensity for sex with male adolescents. He denied it was coerced.\n. While conceding the impropriety of the remarks, the State argued they did not rise to the level of fundamental error.", "type": "majority", "author": "BIVINS, Judge." }, { "text": "HARTZ, Judge\n(specially concurring).\nI concur in the result and join in all of Judge Bivins\u2019 opinion for the Court except the discussion under the heading \u201cIncest Testimony by Defendant\u2019s Son.\u201d\nI would not rest admissibility of the incest testimony on SCRA 1986, 11-404(B). To understand that rule properly, it needs to be read in the context of the entire Rule 11-404, as well as SCRA 1986, 11-405. These rules are virtually identical to Federal Rules of Evidence 404 and 405. For ease of reference I will refer to the two rules, and their federal counterparts, as simply Rules 404 and 405. They state: Rule 404. Character evidence not admissible to prove conduct; exceptions; other crimes.\nA. Character evidence generally. Evidence of a person\u2019s character or a trait of his character is not admissible for the purpose of proving that he acted in conformity therewith on a particular occasion, except:\n(1) Character of accused. Evidence of a pertinent trait of his character offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the same;\n(2) Character of victim. Evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the victim of the crime offered by an accused, or by the prosecution to rebut the same or evidence of a character trait of peacefulness of the victim offered by the prosecution in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim was the first aggressor;\n(3) Character of witness. Evidence of the character of a witness, as provided in Rules 11-607, 11-608 and 11-609.\nB. Other crimes, wrongs or acts. Evidence of other crimes, wrongs or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that he acted in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity or absence of mistake or accident.\nRule 405. Methods of proving character.\nA. Reputation or opinion. In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.\nB. Specific instances of conduct. In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person is an essential element of a charge, claim or defense, proof may also be made of specific instances of his conduct.\nRules 404 and 405 establish two pertinent general propositions. One is that ordinarily a person\u2019s character should not be used circumstantially \u2014 that is, to prove that a person acted in conformity with his or her character. This prohibition, particularly in the context of criminal prosecutions, is justified by concern that character evidence when used circumstantially is likely to be given more probative value than it deserves and may lead the fact-finder to punish a bad person regardless of the evidence of what happened in the specific case. See Fed.R.Evid. 404 advisory committee\u2019s note. The other proposition is that ordinarily character is not to be proved by evidence of specific instances of conduct. This prohibition is justified by the danger that when character is proved by evidence of specific acts, the inquiry into those acts may constitute minitrials that consume too much time and may distract or confuse the fact-finder. See Fed.R.Evid. 405 advisory committee\u2019s note.\nBoth of these propositions support the prohibition in Rule 404(B) against proving conduct to establish character to prove action in conformity with that character. The second sentence of Subsection B recognizes, however, that evidence of specific conduct may be relevant for other purposes. Although one might read the sentence as establishing an exception to the first sentence, cf David W. Louisell & Christopher B. Mueller, Federal Evidence \u00a7 135, at 117 (rev. vol. 2 1985) [hereinafter Louisell] (Rule 404 \u201cdoes not exclude character evidence which is relevant for any other purpose, such as showing motive or intent.\u201d), a more natural reading of Subsection B is that the second sentence simply clarifies that the first sentence does not always exclude other-acts evidence. Under this reading one must be cautious in applying the second sentence to be sure that one is not using a rubric such as \u201cplan\u201d to obscure the fact that other-acts evidence is actually being used for the purpose prohibited by the first sentence.\nThat leaves the question of what is prohibited by the first sentence of Rule 404(B). In particular, what is meant by \u201ccharacter\u201d? The most common view \u2014 what I will call the \u201ctraditional view\u201d \u2014 equates \u201ccharacter\u201d with \u201cpropensity.\u201d In other words, the first sentence excludes evidence of a person\u2019s specific acts to show that the person has a propensity to engage in a certain type of conduct to show that the person engaged in specific conduct on the occasion at issue. One school of thought would also exclude propensity evidence offered to establish that a person had a particular state of mind on the occasion at issue. See Lee E. Teitelbaum & Nancy A. Hertz, Evidence II: Evidence of Other Crimes as Proof of Intent, 13 N.M.L.Rev. 423 (1983). But the dominant approach appears to be that the prohibition in Rule 404(B) against other-acts evidence to prove that a person \u201cacted in conformity with\u201d a character trait addresses only actions, not the state of mind accompanying the act at issue. See 22 Charles A. Wright & Kenneth W. Graham, Jr., Federal Practice and Procedure, Evidence \u00a7 5242, at 473-74 (Supp.1992) [hereinafter Wright & Graham], There is, however, a widely recognized constraint on the use of propensity evidence to prove state of mind. Because the actor\u2019s state of mind is generally an issue in the case \u2014 certainly when the actor is the defendant in a criminal case \u2014 almost any evidence prohibited by the first sentence of Subsection B could be argued to be admissible to prove the actor\u2019s state of mind. Thus, to prevent the eyisceration of the prohibition in the first sentence, courts commonly require that the \u201cintent exception\u201d be limited to cases in which the issue of intent is seriously disputed. See Wright & Graham, supra, \u00a7 5242, at 488-89.\nAnother view adopts a narrower definition of character. Professor Paul Roth-stein has suggested that the term \u201ccharacter\u201d in the first sentence of Rule 404(B) refers to only a subset of potential propensities. He provides the following definition:\n\u201cCharacter\u201d is a propensity that is both general (i.e. propensity for \u201chonesty\u201d or \u201cdishonesty,\u201d \u201cviolence\u201d or \u201cnon-violence\u201d) as opposed to specific (i.e., propensity for executing certain kinds of violent or dishonest acts, or for executing them in a certain manner) and possessed of good or bad moral connotations.\nPaul F. Rothstein, Evidence in a Nutshell: State and Federal Rules 355-56 (2d ed. 1981). See generally Wright & Graham, supra, \u00a7 5233; A.B.A. Criminal Justice Section, Federal Rules of Evidence: A Fresh Review and Evaluation, 120 F.R.D. 299, 322-24 (1987) [hereinafter A.B.A.]. His definition of \u201ccharacter\u201d is apparently based on the observation that judicial decisions tend to admit evidence of non-character propensities pursuant to the second sentence of Subsection B. These decisions can then be rationalized on the ground that evidence of non-character propensity is more likely to be probative and less likely to lead to unfair prejudice than is evidence of character. Professor Rothstein\u2019s discussion of the admissibility of propensity or character evidence has been described as \u201c[a] valiant effort to make general sense out of general nonsense.\u201d 1A Wigmore, Evidence \u00a7 54.1, at 1156 n. 2 (Tillers rev. 1983) [hereinafter Wigmore]. In my view adoption of his approach would lead to greater judicial candor and a sounder analysis of the critical factors arguing for or against admissibility.\nI would not admit the incest testimony under either the traditional approach or Professor Rothstein\u2019s approach. First, under the traditional approach, the court must determine whether there is some \u201cother\u201d purpose (other than that prohibited by the first sentence of Rule 404(B)) for the evidence. The majority opinion states that the incest testimony \u201cwent directly to the question of whether Defendant had the plan, design, or intent to control the victim by use of a position of authority.\u201d The incest testimony, however, does not establish a \u201cplan\u201d (which I take to encompass also the term \u201cdesign\u201d) as that term should properly be used in applying Rule 404(B). I see no relevance for the incest testimony, and the majority suggests none, other than via the chain of logic that because Defendant engaged in similar conduct in the past, he was more likely to have done so on the occasions alleged in this case. A leading treatise states:\nThe justification for admitting evidence of other crimes to prove a plan is that this involves no inference as to the defendant\u2019s character; instead his conduct is said to be caused by his conscious commitment to a course of conduct of which the charged crime is only a part. The other crime is admitted to show this larger goal rather than to show defendant\u2019s propensity to commit crimes.\nWright & Graham, supra, \u00a7 5244, at 499-500. For example, in a prosecution of a defendant for murdering one of her partners, the state could prove her plan to take total control of the company by removing her partners through any means available, including blackmail, involuntary commitment to mental institutions, murder, etc. The evidence in this case is rather similar to evidence whose admission is criticized by the treatise:\nA recent Washington case illustrates the problem many courts have in distinguishing between \u201cplan\u201d and \u201cmodus operandi\u201d as grounds for admission of other crimes. The defendant was charged with two counts of statutory rape and two uncharged crimes were admitted. In all of these, the defendant had enticed teenage runaways into exchanging sex for food and shelter. This common modus operandi was said to be admissible under Rule 404(b) to prove that defendant had engaged in intercourse as part of a plan to take advantage of runaways in this fashion.\nThis is evidence of propensity, not plan. But the opinion suggests that what misled the court was to read \u201cplan\u201d to mean something like a blueprint. Proof that the witch had constructed one gingerbread house will support an inference that she has the \u201cplans\u201d for this type of architectural endeavor but it does not prove whether or not she will ever use the blueprint to construct another lure for lost children. It is only when we can infer a plan for a subdivision to be called \u201cGingerbread Acres\u201d that we can infer from the plan that the witch also constructed a second house.\nTo say that the defendant had a \u201cplan\u201d to seduce every runaway he could may not do violence to the language but it does undermine the policy of Rule 404(b) by permitting the use of propensity to prove conduct. To be properly admissible under Rule 404(b) it is not enough to show that each crime was \u201cplanned\u201d in the same way; rather, there must be some overall scheme of which each of the crimes is but a part.\nWright & Graham, supra, at 504.\nAs for use of the incest testimony to prove intent, there was no serious dispute regarding Defendant\u2019s \u201cintent to control the victim by use of a position of authority.\u201d I am not even sure that such intent was an element of the offense under NMSA 1978, Section 30-9-ll(B)(l). But even if it was an element, the real dispute concerned Defendant\u2019s conduct, not his mental state at the time. If he acted in the manner described by the alleged victim, he undoubtedly had the requisite intent. If Defendant acted in the way that he described, he did not have the intent. This was not a case in which the act was admitted and the jury question was the defendant\u2019s state of mind.\nUnder Professor Rothstein\u2019s approach, the issue is somewhat more difficult. The propensity at issue is what one might call \u201ccoercive homosexual hebephilia.\u201d That propensity has moral overtones, but it is probably too specific to be considered a trait of \u201ccharacter,\u201d as defined by Roth-stein. Cf. State v. Swavola, 114 N.M. 472, 477, 840 P.2d 1238, 1243 (App.1992) [Vol. 31, No. 47, SBB 1064, 1066] (trait was not a sufficiently general propensity to fit the \u201ccharacter\u201d rubric). Nevertheless, the Rothstein approach does not require admission of all non-character propensity evidence. Indeed, there are strong reasons to analyze with particular care whether non-character propensity evidence should be excluded pursuant to Rule 11-403. That rule, which tracks Federal Rule 403, states:\nAlthough relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.\nEven if the absolute exclusionary principle stated in the first sentence of Rule 404(B) should be applied only to evidence of acts used to prove \u201ccharacter\u201d as defined by Rothstein, the underlying concerns expressed in that rule must still be considered when the acts are used to prove a non-character propensity. One cannot ignore the long tradition of courts and commentators expressing fear that jurors are too likely to give undue weight to evidence of a defendant\u2019s prior misconduct and perhaps even to convict the defendant solely because of a belief that the defendant is a bad person. Wigmore, supra, \u00a7 54.1. Also, admission of evidence of other misconduct may lead to a distracting and time-consuming trial within a trial. I find it instructive that commentators who recognize that propensity evidence often should be admitted would impose limitations on the admissibility in criminal cases of evidence of other crimes beyond the limitations set forth in Rule 403. See A.B.A., supra, at 330 (probative value must substantially outweigh danger of improper prejudice, etc.); Richard B. Kuhns, The Propensity to Misunderstand the Character of Specific Acts Evidence, 66 Iowa L.Rev. 777, 806 (1981) (probative value must outweigh danger of prejudice, etc.).\nWith these considerations in mind I would not admit the incest testimony even under the Rothstein approach. Because of the remoteness in time of the incest and the difference in nature of the incest incidents and the incidents at issue in this case, I do not think that the evidence was sufficiently probative of Defendant\u2019s alleged propensity to abuse his authority in order to engage adolescent males in sexual activity.\nNevertheless, the testimony was admissible in the specific circumstances of this case. What changes the analysis is the nature of Defendant\u2019s defense. That defense, which was disclosed before trial, was that (1) Defendant was a homosexual hebephile, (2) such hebephiles act consistently in using or not using coercion to satisfy their drives, (3) Defendant had consistently not used coercive methods, and (4) therefore it was unlikely that Defendant used the coercive methods described by the alleged victim.\nGiven that defense, the incest testimony was admissible, even if one views Defendant\u2019s homosexual hebephilia (whether coercive or non-coercive) as a matter of \u201ccharacter.\u201d Under Rule 404(A)(1) an accused is permitted to present evidence of his character, in which case the prosecution may offer evidence \u201cto rebut the same.\u201d Of course, not every prior act of Defendant would necessarily be relevant as rebuttal, but the incest testimony, which might otherwise seem too remote in time and different in nature to be probative, became very much in point in light of the testimony of Defendant\u2019s expert. Also, I agree with the majority that the trial judge could properly find little chance of unfair prejudice from the incest testimony in the context of this case.\nTo be sure, the incest testimony was admitted before Defendant\u2019s expert witness testified at trial concerning Defendant\u2019s homosexual hebephilia. But Defendant\u2019s attorney made his proposed defense so clear before trial \u2014 the expert testified at length at a pre-trial hearing and defense counsel withdrew his objection to almost all of the other prosecution evidence regarding Defendant\u2019s acts of homosexual hebephilia on the ground that it would be relevant to the defense expert\u2019s testimony \u2014 that any error in taking the State\u2019s evidence out of order could only be harmless error. Indeed, Defendant may have been better off having the evidence presented in the State\u2019s case in chief than having it emphasized in the State\u2019s rebuttal case.\nThere is also a potential problem arising from Rule 405, which I repeat:\nA. Reputation of opinion. In all cases in which evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, proof may be made by testimony as to reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion. On cross-examination, inquiry is allowable into relevant specific instances of conduct.\nB. Specific instances of conduct. In cases in which character or a trait of character of a person is an essential element of a charge, claim or defense, proof may also be made of specific instances of his conduct.\nWas the incest testimony a proper means of proving the nature of Defendant\u2019s homosexual hebephilia? Because Defendant\u2019s homosexual hebephilia was not an essential element of the charge or his defense, Subsection B does not apply; and Subsection (A) appears to prohibit proof of specific instances of conduct to rebut Defendant\u2019s character evidence. There are, however, three potential means of overcoming this obstacle.\nFirst, the above straightforward reading of Rule 405 may not be the law in New Mexico. In State v. Baca, 114 N.M. 668, 845 P.2d 762 (1992), our Supreme Court wrote, \u201cIn cases where the pertinent character trait of the victim goes toward proving an essential element of the defense, proof may be made of specific instances of the victim\u2019s conduct. See SCRA 1986, 11-405(B)____\u201d (Emphasis added; citation to Court of Appeals opinion omitted). Our Supreme Court thus reads \u201cis an essential element\u201d to mean \u201cgoes toward proving an essential element.\u201d In Baca the defendant tried to support a claim of self-defense by offering evidence of specific conduct that established the violent disposition of the victim. (Proof of the violent disposition of the victim is a circumstantial use of character, not proof of an essential element of the defense of self-defense. See Fed.R.Evid. 404 advisory committee\u2019s note.) Although there is authority directly to the contrary in interpreting identical language in Federal Rule of Evidence 405, e.g., Perrin v. Anderson, 784 F.2d 1040, 1045 (10th Cir. 1986), the Baca court relied on a pre-rule opinion, State v. Ardoin, 28 N.M. 641, 216 P. 1048 (1923), as authority for admitting evidence of specific acts of violence, subject only to the general requirements of Rule 11-403. Given the authority of Baca, the evidence of specific acts illustrating Defendant\u2019s homosexual hebephilia appears to be admissible.\nA second approach is more straightforward. Simply put, Defendant cannot complain because he opened the door to such testimony when in a pretrial hearing his attorney informed the court of his intent to rely on specific conduct to prove Defendant\u2019s psychological condition. When withdrawing his motion in limine objecting to the State\u2019s calling various witnesses who had engaged in sexual conduct with Defendant, defense counsel stated that his expert \u201cpretty clearly testified that [Defendant\u2019s] sexual history is relevant and is material to his consideration and his opinions.\u201d\nThe third approach is perhaps the most interesting. Psychiatric testimony of character is simply sui generis.\n[I]t is settled that specific acts by the accused may be shown, to prove either sanity or the lack of it. Yet the mental element in dispute in these cases is generally not thought to involve character as that term is used in [federal] rules [of evidence] 404 and 405, but a separate aspect of the psyche, hence to lie beyond reach of these provisions.\nLouisell, supra, \u00a7 141, at 279-80. But cf. Wright & Graham, supra, \u00a7 5233, at 355-56 (concluding that \u201cat least some mental traits are to be defined as \u2018character\u2019 under Rule 404.\u201d) Once Defendant offered a psychiatric defense based on an expert\u2019s evaluation of Defendant\u2019s prior conduct, it was appropriate for the State to rebut that defense by proving specific conduct inconsistent with the alleged psychiatric condition. In this case the incest testimony could be viewed as inconsistent with the expert\u2019s conclusion that Defendant would not use a position of authority to satisfy his homosexual hebephilia. It was therefore admissible.\nI recognize that the above theories of admissibility were not the ones relied upon by the district court. Yet an appellate court can affirm on a basis other than that relied upon at trial if reliance on the new ground does not prejudice the defendant. See State v. Beachum, 83 N.M. 526, 494 P.2d 188 (1972); Naranjo v. Pauli, 111 N.M. 165, 170, 803 P.2d 254, 259 (Ct.App. 1990). I see no prejudice here because the district court\u2019s finding of relevance under Rule 404(B) would require admissibility on the grounds that I have mentioned.\n. The one difference of substance is an amendment to Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) effective in 1991, which requires the prosecutor to provide notice of evidence to be offered under that provision.", "type": "concurrence", "author": "HARTZ, Judge" } ], "attorneys": [ "Tom Udall, Atty. Gen., Barbara Mulvaney, Asst. Atty. Gen., Santa Fe, for plaintiff-appellee.", "Nancy Hollander, Freedman, Boyd, Daniels, Peifer, Hollander, Guttmann & Goldberg, P.A., Albuquerque, for defendant-appellant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "846 P.2d 1070\nSTATE of New Mexico, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. David Sylvester LAMURE, Sr., Defendant-Appellant.\nNo. 13255.\nCourt of Appeals of New Mexico.\nDec. 21, 1992.\nTom Udall, Atty. Gen., Barbara Mulvaney, Asst. Atty. Gen., Santa Fe, for plaintiff-appellee.\nNancy Hollander, Freedman, Boyd, Daniels, Peifer, Hollander, Guttmann & Goldberg, P.A., Albuquerque, for defendant-appellant." }, "file_name": "0061-01", "first_page_order": 101, "last_page_order": 113 }