Opinion ID: 1999321
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Alleged inference of guilt.

Text: Appellants contend that a statement made by the trial court to appellant White while the latter was being questioned resulted in an implication that he had to convince the jury of his innocence, rather than being afforded the presumption of innocence. The occurrence is set forth on page 163 of the record: Mr. Genrich: I am having a little trouble, Your Honor, understanding the witness. I wonder if he could get closer to the microphone.  The Court: Well, he isn't speaking up. Mr. White, you are going to have to convince the jurors here and you are not going to convince them very well unless they can hear you. A. After we got out of the car,  The Court: That's better. All right. It is obvious from the above that the court was merely telling the appellant that he would have to speak louder. No inference of guilt can be drawn from the statement of the judge. Furthermore, the jury was properly instructed on the presumption of innocence before they retired.