State v. Pickens

Summary

The court held that evidence of the defendant's alleged rape of another student was properly admitted because the incidents shared unusual similarities relevant to intent, motive, plan, and design rather than merely propensity. It also held that the sentencing judge's ambiguous reference to the defendant's choice did not overcome the presumption that the sentence was regular or establish punishment for exercising the right to a jury trial. The court affirmed the evidentiary ruling, reversed the sentence-related ruling, and reinstated the original consecutive sentences.