Merton E. Baird v. United States

BREITENSTEIN, Circuit Judge.

Appellant Baird was charged by information with the offense of wilful failure to file his federal income tax return covering the calendar year 1953. Upon his plea of guilty, he was sentenced to imprisonment for one year. The sole ground urged for reversal is the alleged failure of the trial court to afford him an adequate opportunity to make a statement in mitigation of punishment.

The information was filed on January 22, 1957. On February 15 Baird appeared for arraignment, waived his right to counsel, and entered a plea of guilty. The court requested a presentence…