Notice how this is written to normalize having a criminal record? The fact that this guy has had only one felony and two misdemeanors is treated as though it's shocking he'd do something criminal.
IMHO neither motive, nor criminal record or lack thereof, should be admissible in criminal trials. The sole determining evidence admissible at trial should be that which is intended to convince a jury that the defendant did or did not commit the crime he or she is accused of having committed.