Supreme Court of Rhode Island
State v. Viroth Phannavong
June 17, 20112011 R.I. LEXIS 87
Summary
The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Viroth Phannavong, holding that the trial judge did not abuse discretion in excluding a map of Woonsocket and correctly denied the defendant’s motion for a new trial after finding the victim’s testimony credible and the evidence sufficient. The Court relied on established standards for evidentiary authentication and for reviewing new‑trial motions.
Holding
- Whether the trial judge abused discretion in excluding the map of Woonsocket as a full exhibit. The trial judge did not abuse discretion; the map was not properly authenticated and therefore could be excluded
- Whether the trial judge erred in denying the defendant’s motion for a new trial. The trial judge did not err; after a thorough credibility assessment, the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict and the motion was properly denied
Docket 2010-256-C.A.