Opinion

Hardy v. State

  • 161 Tex. Crim. 463
  • 278 S.W.2d 312
  • 1955 Tex. Crim. App. LEXIS 1455
Court
Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Filed
May 4, 1955
Status
Published
Author
Davidson
On the bench
Davidson
Cited by
0 cases
Authority
More cited than 18.5%

The opinion

DAVIDSON, Judge.

This is a conviction for the unlawful sale of whiskey in a dry area; the punishment, a fine of $100 and sixty days’ confinement in jail.

Hynd, an agent of the Texas Liquor Control Board, to whom it was alleged that appellant sold the whiskey, testified that the sale occurred at appellant’s home and that no other person was present. In fact, the witness testified, “I was by myself,” and answered affirmatively the question, “And Elmer Hardy (appellant) was alone?”

The appellant did not testify as a witness in the case.

Bill of Exception No. 9, which complies with the requirements of Fowler v. State, (page 30, this volume), 274 S.W. 2d 705 , certifies that state’s counsel stated in his argument to the jury the following:

“No evidence herein to show that this deft did-nt make this sale — this SrnZay morning-”

*464 Appellant’s objection that the argument was a reference to the failure of the appellant to testify was overruled.

This was a direct reference to the failure of the appellant to testify and violative of Art. 710 C.C.P. See, also, Fowler v. State, supra.

The conclusion expressed as to the variance between the complaint and the information in the case of Hardy v. State, No. 27,586 this day decided, 279 S.W. 2d 345 , is here applicable. For the reasons stated, the complaint and the information are sufficient.

Because of the erroneous argument, the judgment is reversed and the cause is remanded.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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