Is the evidence that a defendant fled the scene of a crime admissible to prove consciousness of guilt?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Williams, 245 Cal.Rptr. 635, 44 Cal.3d 1127, 751 P.2d 901 (Cal. 1988):

9 In general, evidence that a defendant fled the scene of a crime is admissible to demonstrate consciousness of guilt. "[The probative value of flight] as circumstantial evidence of guilt depends upon the degree of confidence with which four inferences can be drawn: (1) from the defendant's behavior to flight; (2) from flight to consciousness of guilt; (3) from consciousness of guilt to consciousness of guilt concerning the crime charged; and (4) from consciousness of guilt concerning the crime charged to actual guilt of the crime charged." (United States v. Myers (5th Cir.1977) 550 F.2d 1036, 1049; see also People v. James (1976) 56 Cal.App.3d 876, 890, 128 Cal.Rptr. 733.) By analogy escape from custody may be analyzed in the same manner.

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