State v. Larmond

REYNOLDSON, Justice.

The difficult issue in this appeal is whether trial court’s indications of personal bias and prejudice during the course of a jury criminal trial necessitate a reversal and new trial. We so hold and accordingly reverse and remand.

Defendant was charged by county attorney’s information with forgery in violation of § 718.1, The Code. Although State’s evidence was not strong, the jury could have found defendant and a male companion were instrumental in persuading a female acquaintance to forge a stolen check in payment for valuable stereo equipment obtained from an Ames store.

F…