Court Opinion

ID: 3922949
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-06 09:49:42.429111+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:20:13.237148
License: Public Domain

Appellant was convicted of malicious prosecution, and his punishment assessed at a fine of $100. Appellant made complaint against one Zollicoffer, before a justice of the peace, charging him with unlawfully carrying a pistol on and about his person. For making this complaint the State prosecuted him to conviction, because, it is contended by the State, he acted maliciously, and with the intent to harass, vex, and injure Zollicoffer.
That Zollicoffer carried the pistol as charged in the complaint is clearly shown. That appellant frequently (after making the complaint) stated that he was prompted by prejudice and revenge is also shown. He also endeavored to secure the discharge of Zollicoffer by testifying to facts which, if true, were very powerfully calculated to have that effect. This sudden change from the attitude of an enemy to that of a friend is very satisfactorily accounted for in the record. One Horne had made complaint against him for the same offense. Appellant believed, and so stated, that Zollicoffer had induced him to do so. Now, in the language of his uncle, a witness, "When all the witnesses got to Dresden, where Tobe's examining trial was going to be had, defendant and Tobe made up, and got on friendly terms;" and, we add, defendant was ready to swear Zollicoffer *Page 59 
out of all danger of being required to give bond for his appearance at the County Court. Appellant no doubt expected from the other side like favors. Be this as it may, there was not only probable cause for the institution of the prosecution, but the clearest proof that Zollicoffer had carried the pistol unlawfully; hence this prosecution can not be sustained, though appellant may have been actuated by a spirit of revenge, and with a desire to vex, harass, and injure Zollicoffer. See this subject discussed by Judge Willson in Dempsey v. The State, 27 Texas Criminal Appeals, 269.
The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded.
Reversed and remanded.
Judges all present and concurring.