Brand v. State

112 S.E. 829, 153 Ga. 639, 1922 Ga. LEXIS 136

Opinion

Gilbert, J.

1. Where an accusation is drawn under section 442 of the Penal Code (1910), and it is alleged therein that the accused appeared in an intoxicated condition upon a public street, “ which said drunkenness and intoxication was caused by the excessive use of intoxicating wines, beers, liquors, or opiates,” the words just quoted cannot be treated as surplusage.

2. It follows from what is stated above, that where the accusation alleges that the defendant’s drunkenness was caused by the excessive use of intoxicating wines, beers, liquors, or opiates, and the evidence shows that the defendant was drunk upon the highway, which was manifested by staggering, by boisterousness, and by the use of profane and unbecoming language, the allegation as to the cause of the drunkenness of the defendant must be shown and proved as all other material allegations of indictments or accusations must be proved. It is not necessary to enumerate the different ways in which this can be shown. It is sufficient to say that it must be proved by either direct or circumstantial testimony “ sufficient to satisfy the mind and conscience beyond a reasonable doubt.” Penal Code, § 1013.

All the Justices concur.