People v. Fultz

Defendant was convicted of aggravated battery; charge was brought 41 days after incident when he allegedly pushed police officer in intervening to try to prevent his mother from being arrested for objecting to officer's effort to arrest a person at outdoor barbeque party. Evidence was not overwhelming, and was a credibility dispute between officer and Defendant. Court's errors in precluding Defendant from fully challenging officer's credibility, and State's reference, in closing argument, to instruction having negative credibility implications and not requested by Defendant, cumulatively deprived Defendant of a fair trial. (McLAREN and SCHOSTOK, concurring.)