Last week, Amber Heard dropped a bombshell into her testimony about an old relationship where Johnny Depp allegedly threw Kate Moss down the stairs during an argument. This information was not something that Amber Heard was present for but rather something she claims she heard about. The problem is that this information is what is called a “prior bad act.”

According to Rule 404b of the Rules of Evidence, this kind of information is inadmissible. Often, if one side does this, it opens up the evidence which could allow Depp to call Kate Moss to come in and support Depp and refute Heard’s claim. However, and even worse for Heard, this may allow Depp to bring in Heard’s prior bad acts including her previous conviction for domestic assault. Considering that this case is really about domestic assault in many ways, this could be devastating for the Heard team. If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

“If you open up the door and bring in inadmissible evidence, the court could easily allow the other side to bring in their own. If you’re hiding a domestic assault conviction in your past, the jury may see it in all its glory.”

Jack Rice appears on Court TV on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, to discuss evidence, trial advocacy and how these things can really matters in trials. Further, Jack will discuss the ramifications of violating the rules and what might happen next.

Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, former prosecutor and former U.S. Federal Officer. Jack is also the founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. If you are facing serious criminal charges, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.