Shawhart v. State
Shawhart v. State
Opinion of the Court
The offense is the possession for the purpose of sale of gin and vodka in a dry area; the punishment, a fine of $500.00.
Deputy Sheriff Neal testified that he accompanied Baten to the taxi stand but that, instead of going to the door of the residence with them, he went around on the outside of the building, walked up to a window, heard glass breaking, and when he got in the house discovered that it was the bathroom window at which he had been listening.
P. F. Kelly testified that he had resided in the house in question for some time, that the appellant and his wife had resided there for two months prior to the time of the raid and denied that the intoxicants belonged to him or that he used the bathroom where they were found.
The appellant did not testify or offer any evidence in his own behalf.
Appellant first contends that the evidence is insufficient to show that he was in possession of the premises searched. The sheriff testified that he had known the appellant for twelve years, knew the location of his taxi stand and where he resided. He next contends that the evidence is insufficient to show that
Appellant next contends that reversible error is reflected in the examination of the witness Kelly where the prosecutor, after receiving from the witness a denial that the liquor was his, made this foolish comment, “I thought if you had any connection it would be the first time I ever heard of it — you have been a fine old citizen.” Immediately upon objection by the appellant, state’s counsel admitted his error, and the court instructed the jury not to consider the remark. We must now determine if this should call for a reversal of this conviction. If Kelly had been the state’s principal witness, if there had been other evidence which made an issue as to his testimony, or if state’s counsel and the court had not responded so promptly to the objection, then a far more serious question would have been presented; but, under the record here presented, we conclude that it does not.
W find no merit in appellant’s contention that the information was filed prior to the commission of the offense. In order for him to have supported such a contention, it became incumbent upon him to show the hour of filing.
Finding no reversible error, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.