People State New York v. James Carmack

It is clear on the facts of this case, particularly as the evidence developed at trial, that the extensive cross-examination
on prior drug possession charges was improper. Under the circumstances there was too great a danger that the evidence would
tend to demonstrate a propensity to commit the very crime for which the defendant was on trial rather than to impeach his
credibility (see People v Wright, 41 N.Y.2d 172, 175; People v Duffy, 36 N.Y.2d 258, 262, cert den 423 U.S. 861; People v Sandoval, 34 N.Y.2d 371, 377-378).