Mitchell v. State, 782 P.2d 1340 (Nev. 1989). · Go Syfert
Mitchell v. State, 782 P.2d 1340 (Nev. 1989). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“based on the reasoning of lane, we believe that misjoinder of claims is also subject to harmless error analysis.”
114 citation events (80 in the last 25 years) across 5 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: People v. Joseph Wayne Washington (coloctapp, 2022-06-09)
Treatment trajectory · 1990 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1990 2008 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 21 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) People v. Joseph Wayne Washington
Colo. Ct. App. · 2022 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
based on the reasoning of lane, we believe that misjoinder of claims is also subject to harmless error analysis.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Dickey v. State (9×) also: Cited "see"
Nev. · 2024 · confidence medium
We "will not disturb a judgment of conviction in a criminal case on the basis of insufficiency of the evidence so long as the jury verdict is supported by substantial evidence." Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 737 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Miranda-Rivas v. Gittere
D. Nev. · 2020 · confidence medium
(ECF No. 11-8 at 7-9.) Miranda-Rivas did not 7 argue in that brief that the failure to sever violated any provision of federal constitutional 8 law. 9 Miranda-Rivas argues now that he cited Tabish v. State, 72 P.3d 584, 590-91 (Nev. 10 2003), which cited Mitchell v. State, 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (Nev. 1989), which in turn cited 11 Robinson v. United States, 459 F.2d 847, 856 (D.C.
examined Cited as authority (rule) FARMER (STEVEN) VS. STATE (10×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Nev. · 2017 · confidence medium
In Mitchell v. State, for example, we held that the trial court erred by joining charges arising from two separate incidents, 45 days apart, where the defendant sexually assaulted women after taking them to the same bar. 105 Nev. 735, 738, 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
examined Cited as authority (rule) FARMER (STEVEN) VS. STATE (4×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Nev. · 2017 · confidence medium
In Mitchell v. State, for example, we held that the trial court erred by joining charges arising from two separate incidents, 45 days apart, where the defendant sexually assaulted women after taking them to the same bar. 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sanchez (Fortino) v. State
Nev. · 2014 · confidence medium
That explanation is harmonious with our decision in Mitchell v. State, where we determined that two sexual assaults committed 45 days apart did not constitute a common scheme or plan despite being committed at the same location and in the same manner. 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Floyd v. Baker
D. Nev. · 2014 · confidence medium
NRS 173.115 provides that multiple offenses may be charged in the same information if the offenses charged are based'either “on the same act or transaction” or “on two or more acts or transactions connected together or constituting parts of a common scheme or plan.” Also, if “evidence of one charge would be cross-admissible in evidence at a separate trial on another charge, then both charges may be tried together and need not be severed.” [Footnote: Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).] Here, joinder was proper because the acts charged were at the very…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Williams (Michael) v. State
Nev. · 2013 · confidence medium
Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989); NRS 173.115(1)-(2).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Zana v. State
Nev. · 2009 · confidence medium
NRS 173.115; Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989); see generally Robinson v. United States, 459 F.2d 847, 855-56 (D.C.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Bunyard (2×)
Kan. · 2006 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
See State v. Davis, 277 Kan. 231, 241 , 83 P.3d 182 (2004) (the fact that the jury found some defendants not guilty as to all charges demonstrated the jury's ability to compartmentalize the evidence and charges against each defendant); cf. Mitchell, 105 Nev. at 738 (finding acquittal of sexual *403 assault count involving one victim and conviction of sexual assault and murder of a second victim indicated error was harmless).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Mason
N.H. · 2003 · confidence medium
Mitchell v. State, 782 P.2d 1340, 1343 (Nev. 1989) (citing cases).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Tabish v. State (7×) also: Cited "see"
Nev. · 2003 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
It appears that the district court also recognized the prejudicial effects of the joinder when it commented late in the trial that it should have granted the motions to sever the Casey counts from the Binion counts. [25] Lisle, 113 Nev. at 689 , 941 P.2d at 466 (quoting United States v. Boffa, 513 F.Supp. 444, 487 (D.Del.1980) (citation omitted)). [26] See Honeycutt, 118 Nev. at ___ , 56 P.3d at 367 (joinder must be so manifestly prejudicial that it outweighs the dominant concern with judicial economy); Lisle, 113 Nev. at 689 , 941 P.2d at 466 (holding that trial court must consider possible p…
examined Cited as authority (rule) Honeycutt v. State (4×)
Nev. · 2002 · confidence medium
Abram v. State, 95 Nev. 352, 356-57 , 594 P.2d 1143, 1145-46 (1979) (threats against witness relevant to consciousness of guilt). 114 Nev. 1089, 1108 , 968 P.2d 296, 309 (1998) (quoting Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Floyd v. State (2×)
Nev. · 2002 · confidence medium
NOTES [1] People v. Bean, 46 Cal.3d 919 , 251 Cal.Rptr. 467 , 760 P.2d 996, 1006 (1988) (citation omitted). [2] Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989). [3] See NRS 48.045(2); Middleton v. State, 114 Nev. 1089, 1108 , 968 P.2d 296, 309 (1998). [4] Middleton, 114 Nev. at 1107 , 968 P.2d at 309 . [5] State v. Campbell, 189 Mont. 107 , 615 P.2d 190, 198 (1980). [6] Amen v. State, 106 Nev. 749, 756 , 801 P.2d 1354, 1359 (1990). [7] United States v. Wilson, 715 F.2d 1164, 1171 (7th Cir.1983). [8] Sonner v. State, 112 Nev. 1328, 1336 , 930 P.2d 707, 712 (1996), modified on …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Buff v. State (2×)
Nev. · 1998 · confidence medium
This court has held that “[sjome form of prejudice always exists in joint trials and such occurrences are subject to harmless error review.” Ewish v. State, 110 Nev. 221, 234 , 871 P.2d 306 (1994); see NRS 178.598 (any trial defect not impacting substantial rights is disregarded); and Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738-39 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342-43 (1989) (harmless error standard applied to joinder of claims; court tacitly recognized that same standard applied to joinder of defendants).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Middleton v. State
Nev. · 1998 · confidence medium
Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 739 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1343 (1989).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tillema v. State (2×)
Nev. · 1996 · confidence medium
NRS 173.115 provides that two or more offenses may be joined together in a separate count for each offense if the offenses charged are "[b]ased on the same act or transaction," "connected together" or constitute a "common scheme or plan." In Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989), we held that "if . . . evidence of one charge would be cross-admissible in evidence at a separate trial on another charge, then both charges may be tried together and need not be severed." "It is the established rule in Nevada that joinder decisions are within the sound discretion of the tr…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Griego v. State (2×)
Nev. · 1995 · confidence medium
Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
discussed Cited "see" Richmond v. State (2×)
Nev. · 2002 · signal: see · confidence high
See Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342 (1989).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." Sharpe (Raymond) v. State (2×)
Nev. · 2014 · signal: see also · confidence low
SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA 13 (0) 1947A (2003) (stating that "[t]he test is whether joinder is so manifestly prejudicial that it outweighs the dominant concern with judicial economy and compels the exercise of the court's discretion to sever" (quoting Honeycutt v. State, 118 Nev. 660, 667 , 56 P.3d 362, 367 (2002), overruled on other grounds by Carter v. State, 121 Nev. 759, 765 , 121 P.3d 592, 596 (2005))); see also Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 739 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1343 (1989) (stating that errors resulting from misjoinder will be reversed "only if the error has a 'substantial and injurious …
examined Cited "see, e.g." Ewish v. State (4×)
Nev. · 1994 · signal: see also · confidence low
NRS 178.598 (any trial defect not impacting substantial rights is disregarded); see also Mitchell v. State, 105 Nev. 735, 738-39 , 782 P.2d 1340, 1342-43 (1989) (harmless error standard applied to joinder of claims; court tacitly recognized that same standard applied to joinder of defendants); Abram v. State, 95 Nev. 352, 356 , 594 P.2d 1143, 1145 (1979) (reversal unwarranted where appellant could not prove prejudicial testimony made a difference in his conviction).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
DAVID MITCHELL, JR., Appellant,
v.
THE STATE OF NEVADA, Respondent
19897.
Nevada Supreme Court.
Nov 27, 1989.
782 P.2d 1340
David Parraguirre, Public Defender, and Karen L. Grifall, Deputy Public Defender, Washoe County, for Appellant., Brian McKay, Attorney General, Carson City; Mills Lane, District Attorney, and Larry Guy Sage, Deputy District Attorney, Washoe County, for Respondent.
Per Curiam.
Cited by 33 opinions  |  Published

[*737] OPINION

Per Curiam:

In the same information, the State charged appellant David Mitchell, Jr. (Mitchell) with four criminal counts: grand larceny from and sexual assault of Mary Beth Petz (Petz), and sexual assault and murder of Jacqueline Brown (Brown). The Petz incidents occurred 45 days prior to the incidents involving Brown. The two incidents do not appear connected, except that Mitchell took the two women dancing and drinking at the same bar and is alleged to have sexually assaulted both women. Mitchell was convicted pursuant to jury verdict of all the counts except sexual assault of Petz.

Mitchell raises two assignments of error. First, he argues for reversal of his conviction on the count of sexual assault of Brown on the ground that the evidence in support of that count was insubstantial. Second, he urges this court to reverse all three convictions because the district court committed reversible error by denying Mitchell’s pretrial motion to sever the Petz counts from the Brown counts. Although the second contention has merit, we conclude that the error due to misjoinder was harmless as to all counts and, hence, affirm the convictions on all counts.

This court will not disturb a judgment of conviction in a criminal case on the basis of insufficiency of the evidence so long as the jury verdict is supported by substantial evidence. Deeds v. State, 97 Nev. 216, 217, 626 P.2d 271, 272 (1981). Contrary to Mitchell’s contention, substantial evidence supports the verdict of guilty on the count of sexual assault of Brown. Mitchell admitted having sex with Brown. When Brown was found dead on a dirt road, she had been stabbed 30 times, her dress was pulled down to the waist and her underwear was torn. Despite the lack of any severe injury to Brown’s genitalia, a doctor testified that the intercourse could have been nonconsensual. The doctor further testified that Brown suffered “defensive wounds” to her forearms, consistent with a person fighting off a sexual attack. Finally, although other witnesses observed Brown and Mitchell flirting with each other on the evening Brown was murdered, one witness testified that he had seen Brown resisting Mitchell’s romantic advances earlier that evening. These facts are substantial evidence to support the jurors’ conclusion that the intercourse between Brown and Mitchell was not consensual.

Mitchell’s contention that it was error for the district court to[*738] deny defense counsel’s motion to sever the Brown counts from the Petz counts has merit. NRS 173.115 permits joinder of criminal counts only if the counts are based on the same transaction or constitute part of a common scheme or plan. Being 45 days apart, these separate incidents cannot be considered part of the same transaction. Nor can taking two different women dancing and later attempting intercourse be considered part of a common plan just because the women are taken in part to the same bar. See Nester v. State of Nevada, 75 Nev. 41, 334 P.2d 524 (1959). If, however, evidence of one charge would be cross-admissible in evidence at a separate trial on another charge, then both charges may be tried together and need not be severed. Robinson v. United States, 459 F.2d 847, 855 (D.C.Cir. 1972). Here, the district court denied the motion for severance on the basis that evidence of the Petz counts would have been cross-admissible at a separate trial on the counts of murder and sexual assault of Brown.

Evidence of prior bad acts such as Mitchell’s acts involving Petz is admissible only if: (1) the prior acts are relevant to the crime charged because they show motive, intent or another material element listed in NRS 48.045(2); (2) the prior acts are proved by clear and convincing evidence; and (3) the prior acts are more probative than prejudicial. Berner v. State, 104 Nev. 695, 765 P.2d 1144 (1988); NRS 48.045(2). Here, evidence of the prior alleged sexual assault of Petz was marginal. Because she was drunk or tired, Petz did not even remember having sex with Mitchell. Even assuming that prior incident was relevant under NRS 48.045(2), under these circumstances the trial judge erred in concluding that the alleged sexual assault of Petz was proved by clear and convincing evidence. Indeed, the district court advised the jury against a guilty verdict on this count due to the paucity of evidence of lack of consent. Under Berner, then, evidence of the sexual assault of Petz was not cross-admissible as to the counts involving Brown, and the district court erred by denying the motion to sever the counts.

Although the district court erred, we conclude that the error was harmless. Faced with a conflict among the federal circuits, the U.S. Supreme Court held that errors in joinder of defendants are subject to harmless error analysis. U.S. v. Lane, 474 U.S. 438, 449 (1985). Based on the reasoning of Lane, we believe that misjoinder of claims is also subject to harmless error analysis. Other courts have since applied the harmless error standard announced in Lane to misjoinder of claims. U.S. v. Gorecki, 813[*739] F.2d 40, 42 (3d Cir. 1987); U.S. v. Turoff, 853 F.2d 1037, 1042 (2d Cir. 1988). Error due to misjoinder requires reversal only if the error has a “substantial and injurious effect or influence in determining the jury’s verdict.” Lane, 474 U.S. at 450.

We conclude that the error in failing to sever did not have a substantial or injurious effect or influence the jury. First, we note that the jury acquitted Mitchell of the prior sexual assault of Petz; this indicates that joinder of this count did not have a substantial and injurious effect on the verdicts regarding the Brown counts. Second, the evidence of sexual assault of Brown was convincing for reasons previously stated. Third, the evidence of murder of Brown was also convincing. Mitchell admitted to driving with Brown to the dirt road where Brown’s body was found. Testimony indicated that only one set of bootprints was in the soil surrounding the victim and only one set of bootprints left the murder scene. Witnesses testified that Mitchell was wearing boots on the night of the murder. All this indicates that it could only have been Mitchell who committed the murder. Confirmation of this conclusion is found in the facts that Mitchell’s clothes were speckled with blood, that Mitchell was wearing a knife consistent with Brown’s wounds on that evening, and that three inmates testified that Mitchell admitted to the murder. Fourth and finally, we conclude that evidence of the grand larceny from Petz was convincing, so that joinder of the Brown counts did not prejudice the jury’s verdict as to the grand larceny count.

Accordingly, the district court’s judgment is affirmed.