State v. Lealao
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After a jury trial, Petitioner Blue Lealao was convicted of assault in the second degree. A year and a half after the incident and before trial, Petitioner had said, "I'm so sorry. I made a big mistake" to a relative. Petitioner filed a motion in limine to exclude the statement under Haw. R. Evid. 409.5, which provides that evidence expressing condolences is not admissible to prove liability. The circuit court concluded that the phrase "I'm so sorry" was an expression of sympathy but that "I made a big mistake" was not and was therefore admissible. The intermediate court of appeals (ICA) affirmed. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of conviction, holding (1) Rule 409.5 applies in civil but not in criminal cases, and accordingly, the circuit court and ICA erred in applying the rule in this criminal case to Petitioner's pretrial statements; (2) however, such error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt in light of Petitioner's testimony; and (3) moreover, the statement was relevant and admissible as a party admission under Haw. R. Evid. 803(a)(1).
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