People v. Wallen

The defendant was convicted by a jury of forgery and of uttering and publishing pursuant to MCLA 750.248; MSA 28.445 and MCLA 750.249; MSA 28.446, respectively. He was sentenced to a term of from 5 to 14 years imprisonment and appeals.

Of the six issues raised by the defendant, we find one is persuasive and mandates a reversal: that is, defendant asserts that his prior criminal record was improperly placed before the jury.

At trial defendant did not take the stand. While it is true that where a defendant does not take the stand in his own behalf, his prior convictions may not be introduced into…