| N.C. | Nov 30, 1927
In the indictment the defendant is charged (1) with the manufacture of spirituous liquor; (2) with permitting the operation of a distillery on his land; (3) with the unlawful possession of liquor; and (4) with the unlawful manufacture of liquor after a previous conviction for the same offense.
The first three counts charge misdemeanors; the fourth charges a felony. C. S., 3409. The jury returned a general verdict, finding the defendant guilty. It was then adjudged that he be confined in jail for a term of not less than twelve nor more than eighteen months and assigned to work on the public roads.
It is admitted by the State that there is no evidence of the defendant's former conviction. The verdict, therefore, cannot be sustained so far as it may apply to the fourth count. Upon the others, in which misdemeanors are charged, an indeterminate sentence cannot be imposed. The judges of the Superior Court are authorized and directed, in their discretion, "to pass a maximum and minimum sentence" only in sentencing prisoners to the State's prison. C. S., 7738; P.L. 1925, ch. 163, sec. 7738. *623
There is error for which the cause must be remanded. The defendant's motion to set aside the verdict on the fourth count should be allowed, there being no sufficient evidence to sustain the verdict as to the felony. Upon the remaining counts a determinate sentence should be imposed. The other exceptions are without merit and are therefore overruled.
Error.