People v. Hutchings

Defendant pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving an automobile without the owner’s consent (Veh. Code, § 10851), but admitted nine prior felony convictions. A jury found him guilty, he was sentenced to prison, and appeals.

Defendant went to a used car dealer in Walnut Creek, expressed interest in purchasing an automobile, and asked permission to take it for “30 or 40 minutes” to show it to his wife. He left an unendorsed check payable to himself. The check was not good. The evidence indicates that it was neither delivered nor accepted as payment. About five hours later, the car was stopped…