People v. Stevens

This case presents question as to whether, in instant prosecution on aggravated criminal sexual assault charge, trial court properly allowed State to cross-examine defendant on details of separate pending sexual assault case involving different victim. Appellate Court, in upholding admission of such evidence, noted that defendant raised issue that sexual encounter was consensual, and that instant cross-examination was permissible to challenge defendant’s consent defense. Fact that defendant had not addressed separate sexual assault case in his direct examination did not require different result since defendant’s decision to take witness stand did not limit State’s ability to impeach him with relevant evidence.