Hines v. Commonwealth

Ronald Lamont Hines contends that an instruction given at his trial relative to his failure to testify violated his Fifth Amendment rights and constituted prejudicial error requiring a reversal of his conviction.

Hines was indicted for (1) the possession of heroin with intent to distribute; (2) possession of drug paraphernalia; and (3) possession of marijuana. At his trial appellant did not testify in his own behalf and introduced no evidence. The jury found defendant guilty as charged and fixed his punishment at ten years in the penitentiary, twelve months in jail and a fine of $1,000, and…