Lauren Beth Owen v. State
Lauren Beth Owen appealed her conviction for possession of methamphetamine. A jury found Owen guilty and assessed punishment at sixteen years’ confinement and a $10,000 fine. Owen contended the trial court erred by admitting evidence during the guilt-innocence phase that she was on deferred adjudication probation for the instant offense and that she had several fictitious driver’s licenses and credit cards in her possession when arrested. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision regarding the deferred adjudication probation, finding it admissible under Rule 404(b) to rebut Owen’s defense of lacking intent or knowledge. However, the court found the admission of fictitious driver’s licenses and credit cards for impeachment purposes to be an abuse of discretion under Rules 608(b) and 609. Despite this error, the court deemed it harmless due to ample other evidence supporting Owen's guilt. The trial court's judgment was affirmed.