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This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

In 1977, Sims (D) was arrested. His car was searched, and a neighbor's stolen gun was found. D was charged with being a convicted felon in the possession of a firearm. The previous felony was for possession of stolen property in 1970. D denied that he knew the gun was in his car. At trial, the prosecution introduced, for purposes of impeachment, evidence of a 21-year old conviction for burglary and a 12-year old conviction for interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. D was convicted and appealed.

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