Pope v. Commonwealth

Opinion

BENTON, J.

George C. Pope appeals his conviction for forgery in violation of Code § 18.2-172. Pope contends (1) the circuit court did not have jurisdiction to try him because his conviction was initially obtained in the wrong court, and (2) the evidence was insufficient to convict him because of the absence of proof that the alleged forgery operated to anyone’s prejudice. For the reasons that follow, we vacate the conviction.

I

On March 17, 1991, Pope was stopped for speeding in the City of Norfolk. When the police officer asked him to sign a uniform traffic summons to acknowledge receipt…