568.09 Holding federal license or tax stamp prima facie evidence. - Florida Statutes

568.09 Holding federal license or tax stamp prima facie evidence.

The holding, owning, having in possession, or paying for a license or tax stamp issued by the internal revenue authorities of the United States showing the payment of a tax as a dealer in intoxicating liquors, wines, or beer, by the holder thereof to the United States Government shall be held in all the courts of this state as prima facie evidence against the holder thereof in prosecution of such holder for violation of this chapter and upon proof being made by the certificate of the collector of internal revenue, as provided for by the federal statute, in cases where the proper prosecuting officers shall produce said certificate or certified copy, the grand jury may indict the holder of such license or tax stamp or the proper prosecuting officer may file information against the holder of such license or tax stamp without further proof, charging such holder with the violation of this chapter, and upon the trial of persons charged with the violation of this chapter, upon information or indictment proof of the owning, holding, or possession of such license or tax stamp by the defendant may be made by two witnesses who have seen such license or tax stamp in the place of business or the holder thereof, or by the production of the original tax stamp or license with proof that said license or tax stamp is the property of the defendant by one or more witnesses, or by production by the prosecuting officer of a certified copy of said license, tax stamp or certificate of the Collector of Internal Revenue of the United States; and proof having been made as provided in this section, it shall be sufficient evidence, without explanation, to convict.

History. s. 9, ch. 18016, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7648(18).