244 P.3d 625
Idaho Ct. App.2010Background
- Masterson failed field sobriety tests after a traffic stop for DUI suspicion; breath test with Intoxilyzer 5000EN showed BAC .197/.184, triggering a 90-day license suspension under I.C. § 18-8002A(4)(a)(i).
- Masterson requested an ALS hearing; ITD hearing officer upheld the suspension.
- Masterson challenged the decision via judicial review under IDAPA and I.C. § 18-8002A(8); district court affirmed.
- ITD’s SOPs require operators to be certified on the specific instrument used; certification must be proven by preponderance of evidence.
- The hearing officer relied on CMI materials to determine certification but did not properly notice these materials under I.C. § 67-5251(4).
- Without proper notice of the CMI materials, the officer’s finding of operator certification on the 5000EN lacks competent, substantial evidence; this undermines the basis for upholding the suspension.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether official notice of CMI materials was proper | Masterson | Masterson | No; improper notice invalidates relying on those materials |
| Whether officer certification to operate 5000EN was proven | Masterson | State | Insufficient evidence without proper notice of CMI materials |
| Whether ISP SOPs require recertification for 5000EN | Masterson | State | Not supported by substantial evidence; officer not proven certified for 5000EN |
Key Cases Cited
- Kane v. State, Dep’t of Transp., 139 Idaho 586, 83 P.3d 130 (Ct.App.2003) (standards for reviewing ALS decisions; burden shifting)
- Castaneda v. Brighton Corp., 130 Idaho 923, 950 P.2d 1262 (Idaho 1998) (binding factual review; substantial evidence standard)
- Marshall v. Idaho Dep’t of Transp., 137 Idaho 337, 48 P.3d 666 (Ct.App.2002) (agency findings upheld unless clearly erroneous)
- Urrutia v. Blaine County, ex rel. Bd. of Comm’rs, 134 Idaho 353, 2 P.3d 738 (Idaho 2000) (substantial evidence required for agency findings)
- Kinney v. Tupperware Co., 117 Idaho 765, 792 P.2d 330 (Idaho 1990) (definition of substantial evidence; deference to agency)
- Price v. Payette County Bd. of County Comm'rs, 131 Idaho 426, 958 P.2d 583 (Idaho 1998) (prejudicial demonstration of substantial rights)