Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, 1961

Smith v. State

Smith v. State
Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas · Decided May 24, 1961 · Morrison
346 S.W.2d 611; 1961 Tex. Crim. App. LEXIS 5355 (South Western Reporter, Second Series)

Smith v. State

Opinion

MORRISON, Judge.

The offense is possession of untaxed whiskey; the punishment, 4 months in jail and a fine of $250.

Our able State’s Attorney confesses error, and we agree. A defense witness was asked on cross-examination by the State if she had been fooling with wild-cat whiskey for the last five years or longer, and further whether or not she had been convicted for selling or handling whiskey. Appellant’s timely objection was overruled.

This constituted impeachment by proof of misdemeanors which do not involve moral turpitude and violates the terms of Article 732a, V.A.C.C.P. See Andrews v. State, 154 Tex.Cr.R. 392, 228 S.W.2d 173, and Davidson v. State, 161 Tex.Cr.R. 486, 278 S.W.2d 861.

For the reasons pointed out, the judgment is reversed ana the cause is remanded.

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