(1) It is not necessary in an indictment against the person for any offence to charge or allege that the person had been previously convicted of any offence, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Code, it is not competent to prove at the trial of the person for any offence that he or she was previously convicted of an offence.
(2) Where at the trial of any person for any offence, the person gives evidence of his or her good character, it is lawful for the prosecutor in rebuttal to give evidence of the former conviction of the person of any offence.