Let's say you're on a jury for a felony larceny case. The facts are slightly merky depending on how credible you find the defendant but the verdict could reasonably go either way. The defendant is a pretty young mom. She takes the stand in her own defense. Then on cross you find out she has 4 prior larceny convictions, 2 of which are felonies, and one of which was pending when this alleged crime happened. She is facing up to 60 years on this incident, several different charges one crime.
How likely are you to be swayed by her prior convictions to find her guilty in this case?
How likely are you to use it to hammer her on sentencing despite her being a pretty young mom?
Surprised the defense allowed her priors and pending case to be introduced in trial. Unheard of
