96 So. 377 | Ala. Ct. App. | 1923
Under the law as announced in Jordan v. State,
As stated in the Jordan Case, supra, in order to sustain a charge of this character, it is necessary to show by the evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty that the property in question had been stolen; that the defendant knew this fact and that he bought, received, or concealed, or aided in so doing, said property; and that, notwithstanding his knowledge of the fact that it was stolen, he committed one or all of said acts relative to the property in question, and did so without the intention to restore same to the owner.
As in all criminal cases the defendant here is presumed to have been innocent; this presumption is an evidentiary fact and remains with the accused until his guilt is shown by the testimony beyond a reasonable doubt. After a careful reading of the testimony, we are of the opinion that the state has failed to meet the burden of proof necessary to sustain a conviction. This case is in many respects very similar to the case of Karackalas v. State,
Reversed and remanded.