State v. Gallegos

588 P.2d 1045, 92 N.M. 370
CourtNew Mexico Court of Appeals
DecidedOctober 31, 1978
Docket3559
StatusPublished
Cited by29 cases

This text of 588 P.2d 1045 (State v. Gallegos) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New Mexico Court of Appeals primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
State v. Gallegos, 588 P.2d 1045, 92 N.M. 370 (N.M. Ct. App. 1978).

Opinion

OPINION

WOOD, Chief Judge.

Adjudged guilty and sentenced for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, defendant appeals. Issues listed in the docketing statement, but not briefed, are deemed abandoned. State v. Ortiz, 90 N.M. 319, 563 P.2d 113 (Ct.App.1977). We (1) answer to issues summarily and discuss (2) polygraph test results, (3) disclosure by defendant, (4) state of mind, and (5) merger.

The victim, Parlomino, was dancing with Marcella at a lounge when defendant stabbed Parlomino.

Issues Answered Summarily

(a) Defendant sought to exclude identification testimony based on a photographic identification.

(1) The evidence does not show that the circumstances of this identification created a substantial likelihood of a mistaken identification. State v. Jones, 83 N.M. 600, 495 P.2d 380 (Ct.App.1972).

(2) Defendant contends the photographic identification was “unnecessary because an actual lineup could have been conducted.” That a lineup could have been conducted was not relevant to the question of whether the photographic identification procedure was impermissibly suggestive. United States v. Sutherland, 428 F.2d 1152 (5th Cir. 1970), cert. denied, 409 U.S. 1078, 93 S.Ct. 698, 34 L.Ed.2d 668 (1972).

(3) Defendant asserts he was prejudiced because his photograph contained a date. This date showed the date of his arrest on the charges for which he was tried. This did not put defendant’s criminal record in issue and did not establish “that defendant was prejudiced. See State v. Jacobs, 91 N.M. 445, 575 P.2d 954 (Ct.App.1978).

(4) Defendant complains that admission of the six “mug-shots” into evidence was improper because irrelevant. Identification of defendant as the one who stabbed Parlomino was a crucial issue in the case. Testimony showing that Parlomino identified defendant’s photograph as a picture of his assailant, five weeks after the stabbing, and never deviated from that identification, was relevant. See State v. Mordecai, 83 N.M. 208, 490 P.2d 466 (Ct.App.1971).

(5) Defendant asserts the use of any mug-shot photographs was prejudicial. Since all of the photographs were mugshots, these photographs did not suggest an identification in this case. Further, Parlomino testified he never looked at the numbers on the pictures.

(b) Defendant asserts there was prosecutor misconduct during the State’s closing argument. We disagree.

(1) The comments concerning defendant’s beard were well within the evidence.

(2) The comments concerning Marcella’s refusal to testify before the grand jury and her denial of being at the scene when Parlomino was stabbed, were based on evidence at the trial. There was also evidence that defendant and Marcella were friends, were sitting together outside the courtroom and kissed as they came into the courtroom. The prosecutor’s comment must be considered in relation to this evidence. The prosecutor stated, in connection with Marcella’s denial of being at the scene and of her refusal to testify before the grand jury: “I submit to you that the reason is because both she and the defendant know that the defendant is guilty and the only question in their mind is whether or not you know it, ladies and gentlemen.” The comment attempts to explain Marcella’s actions on the basis of Marcella’s and defendant’s knowledge. Such a comment is not the same as the comment in State v. Leyba, 89 N.M. 28, 546 P.2d 876 (Ct.App.1976). In light of Marcella’s friendly relations with defendant, we do not consider it as a comment on defendant’s failure to testify.

(3) The prosecutor’s comment as to why he had Parlomino take a polygraph examination was invited by defendant’s closing argument.

Polygraph Test Results

Parlomino was given a polygraph examination. The results of this test were offered by the prosecution and admitted as evidence during the State’s case-in-chief. Defendant makes a comprehensive attack on the propriety of admitting the test results. The defense contentions, and our answers, follow.

(a) The foundation requirements for the admissibility of the results of polygraph examinations are set forth in State v. Bell, 90 N.M. 134, 560 P.2d 925 (1977).

(1) Defendant asserts the examiner, Rodriguez, was not qualified to administer the test to Parlomino because of Rodriguez’ minimal exposure to the fields of physiology and psychology, and because of Parlomino’s inability to communicate in English. Rodriguez testified that he had had “some” physiology and psychology at the school he attended. These subjects were discussed in relation to polygraph techniques. He also testified that at the pretrial interview he asked Parlomino about hospitalization, whether Parlomino had ever sought psychiatric help, had ever been a patient in a mental hospital or sanitarium, had ever had a brain wave test, ever been treated for alcoholism, or nervousness or nerves, ever had dizzy spells, plus numerous other questions directed to Parlomino’s physical condition. Rodriguez testified that the questions were from a prepared form; the questions were based on his training. Rodriguez also testified that there was no communications problem because he was bilingual. Rodriguez conducted the pretest interview with Parlomino in both English and Spanish. In administering the test, Rodriguez questioned in English, Parlomino answered in Spanish. Rodriguez found nothing that would indicate Parlomino was not a suitable subject for testing.

(2) Defendant asserts the testing procedure was not valid because the “relevant” questions, see State v. Brionez, 91 N.M. 290, 573 P.2d 224 (Ct.App.1977), were ambiguous and permitted rationalization by Parlomino. Rodriguez used two relevant questions.

The first was, “Before you were stabbed did you provoke the man who stabbed you?” Defendant argues that the words “did you provoke” invites rationalization. Rodriguez testified that Parlomino defined English “provoke” as Spanish “provocar”, that this was discussed at length because Parlomino was denying that he did anything other than to tell defendant to leave the lady alone. Before the jury, Rodriguez gave more explanation. Rodriguez testified that Parlomino explained “provocar” to mean a confrontation, argument or use of bad language toward someone. Defendant also asserts this first “relevant” question was improper because not relevant to issues at trial. This argument is specious. The polygraph test is for truthfulness. See State v. Bell, supra. “Relevant” questions in a polygraph examination go to the validity of the test. See State v. Fuentes, 91 N.M. 554, 577 P.2d 452 (Ct.App.1978).

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Bluebook (online)
588 P.2d 1045, 92 N.M. 370, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/state-v-gallegos-nmctapp-1978.