Baker v. Commonwealth
Virginia Supreme Court
225 Va. 192, 300 S.E.2d 788 (1983)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
Robert Lee Baker (defendant) drove his truck to a car dealership and arranged with the dealer to test drive a Jeep on the dealer's lot. Baker represented that he owned the truck and would leave it with the dealer as security for the Jeep's return. In fact, Baker had stolen the truck. Baker left the truck with the dealer and drove off in the Jeep. The dealer retained the Jeep's title documents. Baker never returned the Jeep to the dealer. The Commonwealth of Virginia (plaintiff) indicted Baker for larceny by false pretenses. The Commonwealth requested a jury instruction that dealt only with Baker's possession of the Jeep and not with the Jeep's title. The jury was so instructed, and returned a guilty verdict. Baker appealed to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stephenson, J.)
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