Prosecutors Demand Tiffany Haddish Not Be Allowed to Gain 'Sympathy' From Jury By Claiming DUI Conviction Would Harm Career

As we first reported, Haddish recently accused the officers of an unlawful search and seizure. Her lawyer claimed officers did not have “reasonable articulable suspicion to detain Ms. Haddish.”

Her lawyer said Haddish’s vehicle was not the one they were told to watch out for. In addition, Haddish’s attorney argued the officers “did not report observing any traffic violations or any less-safe driving during the one minute he observed Ms. Haddish operate her vehicle. Accordingly, the traffic stop was illegal, and any evidence derived therefrom must be suppressed.”

He demanded any statements that Haddish made to police, and her blood test not be allowed as evidence in the trial.

Now, in a newly filed motion, prosecutors asked that Haddish not be allowed to claim a DUI conviction would cause her career harm.

“[Haddish] is an actress and entertainer charged with DUI. [Defendant may argue that her ability to travel and obtain employment may be negatively affected by a guilty verdict in this case. The State moves … to prevent Defendant from introducing any evidence or mentioning during the trial that her ability to perform or practice her profession could be adversely affected if she is found guilty of DUI,” prosecutors argued.

“Any testimony that tends to evoke sympathy for Defendant is irrelevant to the issues being tried and is only offered to inject into the trial an improper element of emotionalism should be prohibited,” the motion said.

The motion added, “Defendant’s employment or potential employment and the effect a DUI conviction may have on that employment or profession is not an element of the crime of DUI nor a defense to the crime of DUI.”