People v. Garcia

The respondent was charged by information filed by the district attorney of Los Angeles County with the crimes of grand theft and a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act. On the date set for trial the respective counsel announced that a trial by jury was waived. Witnesses were sworn and testified, and the court found the defendant guilty of grand theft only. Three days thereafter a motion for a new trial was filed, which was granted, upon the ground that the defendant had not personally announced, or consented to, a trial without a jury, and that his counsel was without authority alone so to do.…