West Virginia Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction In a West Virginia criminal trial, the jury utilizes specific instructions to evaluate the credibility and reliability of witness testimony. One such instruction, known as the "Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction," is crucial in cases where the defendant testifies, despite having a prior felony conviction. This instruction aims to guide the jury in properly assessing the defendant's credibility, taking into account both the inconsistency in their statements and the existence of a previous felony conviction. When a defendant with a felony conviction chooses to testify, their prior conviction becomes relevant for the jury to consider during the evaluation of their credibility. Jurors may question whether the defendant's prior criminal record impacts their truthfulness, bias, or motives on the stand. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure that the jury understands the significance of a prior felony conviction when assessing the defendant's testimony, while also emphasizing the requirement for consistency in the defendant's statements. The instruction regarding "Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction" can be subdivided into different types based on varying circumstances where inconsistencies in statements or multiple felony convictions may arise. Some potential variations of this instruction include: 1. Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement: This type of instruction is relevant when the defendant's testimony contradicts or conflicts with their earlier statements. It guides the jury to assess the impact of such inconsistencies on the defendant's credibility. 2. Impeachment — Multiple Felony Convictions: When a defendant has multiple felony convictions, this instruction informs the jury to consider the cumulative effect of these convictions on the defendant's believability. Each conviction adds weight to the assessment of credibility. 3. Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement and Multiple Felony Convictions: In instances where the defendant's testimony contains both inconsistent statements and multiple felony convictions, this instruction serves to guide the jury in evaluating the combined impact of these factors. West Virginia's approach to jury instructions incorporates the fundamental principles of credibility and consistency when a defendant testifies with a felony conviction. By carefully following these instructions, jurors can fairly assess a defendant's credibility while taking into account any inconsistencies in their statements and the existence of past felony convictions. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the defendant receives a fair trial based on reliable and trustworthy evidence.