Wilcoxson v. State , 134 Tex. Crim. 586 ( 1938 )

Conviction is for possession of intoxicating liquor in a dry area for purpose of sale; the punishment, a fine of $100.00.

The record shows that on March 6, 1937, two constables of Collin County, acting under the authority of a search warrant, found over two cases of beer on appellant's premises. The State proved by a chemist that the beer was intoxicating. The county attorney testified that the warrant under which the officers acted was issued around 1:30 P. M. of said day, and the officers testified that it was executed sometime that afternoon.

Appellant has raised the same questions in this record that he raised in a companion case, this day handed down, but not yet reported. See Wilcoxson v. State, Cause No. 19614. [Page 588 of this volume.] Owing to an adequate disposition made of them in that opinion, it is not deemed necessary to again discuss them.

By bills of exceptions numbers three, four, and five, appellant complains of the admission in evidence of what the officers found as a result of the search of his premises. The basis for his objection seems to be that the law authorizing the issuance of such search warrants was not in effect at the time the officers made the search; consequently he maintains that the search was illegal and evidence obtained as a result thereof was not admissible against him. The record shows that the warrant in question was issued and executed on the afternoon of March 6. The law in question became effective on said date. It is a matter of common knowledge that the beginning of a new day is effective at a fraction of a second past midnight. See Muckenfuss v. State, 55 Tex.Crim. Rep.. March 6 was well on its way to becoming March 7 before the warrant in question was ever issued. The law being in effect at the time the warrant was issued and the officers acting in pursuance of said law and complying therewith, the result of the search was admissible in evidence. We therefore overrule appellant's contention.

He also maintains in his amended motion for a new trial that the information should have alleged that appellant had possession of the beer in question for "beverage purposes." Such an allegation in the information is not necessary. All that is required under the law is that there be an averment that he possessed the liquor for the purpose of sale; the added phrase "for beverage purposes" would be surplusage. Appellant was found in possession of more than a quart of intoxicating liquor. Such, under the law, was prima facie evidence that he had it for the purpose of sale.

All other matters complained of have been considered by us and are deemed to be without merit.

The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

The foregoing opinion of the Commission of Appeals has been examined by the Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals and approved by the Court.

ON APPELLANT'S MOTION FOR REHEARING.