State v. Otto
Annotate this CaseAfter a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, a felony. Defendant appealed, arguing that the district court erred by instructing the jury on the elements of the offense prior to the delivery of opening statements. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the district court erred by, before opening statements, reading the jury instructions regarding the elements of the offense of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs without finding good cause; but (2) under the circumstances, Defendant’s substantial rights were not prejudicially affected by the error.
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