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Willis v. State
389 S.W.2d 464
Tex. Crim. App.
1965
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DICE, Commissioner.

Appellant was convicted of unlawfully selling beer in a dry area and his punishment was assessed at six months in jail and a fine of $500.

The state does not seek an affirmance of the conviction, because it is shown by bill of exception #2 that appellant did not enter a plea in the case. Such position is well taken, as a plea is necessary in every criminal case and where none is entered the trial is a nullity. See: Lumsden v. State, Tex.Cr.App., 384 S.W.2d 143, and cases therein cited.

An affirmance is also not sought for the further reason that bill of exception #3 shows that the complaint was not sworn to by the complainant. This position is also well taken, as a complaint which is not *465 sworn to will not support a prosecution by information. Art. 415, Vernon’s Ann.C.C.P.; Colbert v. State, 166 Tex.Cr.R. 431, 314 S.W.2d 602; Purcell v. State, Tex.Cr.App., 317 S.W.2d 208.

The judgment is reversed and the prosecution is ordered dismissed.

Opinion approved by the court.

Case Details

Case Name: Willis v. State
Court Name: Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Date Published: Apr 28, 1965
Citation: 389 S.W.2d 464
Docket Number: 38202
Court Abbreviation: Tex. Crim. App.
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