Atlanta Daily World

TRUTH WON OUT FOR COUPLE ON WHISKEY COUNT
By PAUL DELANEY

Sometimes its downright frustrating being a lawyer, especially when your clients tell the truth. However, like all good people who live by the Golden Rule, they were rewarded for their endeavors.

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Perche of 548 Thurmond St. NW. were haled before Judge Arnold for possession of untaxed liquor. Officers J. O. Hull and R. D. Kendricks testified that they went to the couple's home on a complaint that there was whiskey in the house.

Hull stated that Mrs. Perche jumped from a chair on the front porch, ran into the kitchen and grabbed the liquor, which was in a coffee pot.

At this point, the Perche's attorney, J. O. Groggins, asked if the patrolmen had a search warrant and they said they did not. He also asked them if his clients asked them for a warrant before searching their home, and they testified the couple did not.

Groggins then proceeded to argue that the policemen had entered the home of the Perches illegally since they had requested that they produce a warrant.

"Well, let's see what your clients have to say about that," the judge stated.

Mrs. Sallie Percha made the first statement and said that the two officers entered her home and just tore it apart searching for alcohol (the officers denied this charge). But she testified that she did not ask them if they had a warrant. Next, Mr. Percha stated that he was on the porch when they came up.

"They just rushed right on in the house before anyone could say anything to them," he said.

"Did you ask them if they had a warrant?" Arnold asked.

No sir, your honor. I just said heck, you're in here, you may as well search the place."

After the laughter, during which time Groggins walked in front of the bench slowly shaking his head, Arnold dismissed the case against Mr. Percha and suspended a $53 fine against Mrs. Percha, for not telling a lie.