Jasper v. State

164 S.W. 851, 73 Tex. Crim. 197, 1914 Tex. Crim. App. LEXIS 137

Opinion

HABPEB, Judge.

This prosecution was brought under article 689 of the Code, which provides that if "any person who, for direct or indirect compensation, solicits insurance,” etc., he shall be adjudged guilty of a misdemeanor, and his punishment assessed in any "sum not less than $100.

The information alleges all the elements of the offense, except to allege that solicitor was to receive compensation, either directly or indirectly. It was essential that this fact be proven, otherwise a conviction could not be sustained, and while there was no motion made to quash the information before trial, yet it is a defect of substance and not of form, and may be raised at any time, for without this allegation being in the information it charges no offense against the laws of this State.

There are a number of'other questions raised, and we have considered each of them. Hone of them present error, and the evidence would amply support a conviction for a violation of this provision of the Code, but because the information does not charge an offense under this provision of the law, we must necessarily quash the information and complaint and reverse and dismiss the case.

The judgment is reversed and the appeal is dismissed.

Dismissed.