Rules of Evidence-Criminal Record

[geminivixv]

Ohio
I know the time limit for convictions is ten years to be admissible as evidence. My question is... ten years back from what date? Date of alleged incident in suit, date suit filed, date of evidence submitted in court? Let me give more details... Date of alleged incident in criminal case -11/04, discharged - 6/05, Civil filed 11/05, dismissed-11/06, refiled 11/07 (pending). The alleged victum has a criminal record a mile long... including convictions for fraud, false representation, false affidavit, and so on. The four years from the date of the incident and trial time could mean the difference of a handful of convictions used as evidence an my behalf as to credibility of allegations. There is no other evidence againts me other than the acusations of a multi felon.

 

[geminivixv]

Sorry I failed to mention I have a counter suit.

 

[lwpat]

In a civil suit character evidence is not admissible unless character is an issue.

 

[geminivixv]

Character is an issue... he is a multi time convicted liar, thief, drug addict, alcoholic, extortionist, violent offender,and so on. His felony record dates back to 1977, in three states, he is currently wanted in another state(just not enough for them to come get him). I counter sued for defemation of character, slander, abuse of process,and malicious prosecution. When his attorney filed for a dismissal of my suit I produced verifible evidence of perjury, and false statements to police. It was enough for the judge to state my "claims are warrented" and denied the motion. The prosecuter droped the two - F1 counts & one F3 count, because of there was no evidence against me and the victums criminal record. This has been 4 years of He*l and I am broke because of it...to the tune of $50,000 out of pocket. Are you telling me that even though he has convictions of continually lying to countless legal authorties for his own gain, I cant use this to show a probability that I am just one more victum on his hit list?

 

[lwpat]

Depends on what the judge lets in over his attorneys objections. Trial judges have a lot of leeway and you can always try. Otherwise no. For example, if he was suing you for defamation of character, then you could bring all of this in to show that what you said was true. Since you are suing him for defamation of character, you can put up evidence of your good character by reputation in the community. It is your character that is at issue, not his.

If he were on trial for the criminal charge of perjury, then the state could introduce the evidence. The rules are different for criminal and civil.