397 S.W.3d 5
Mo. Ct. App.2013Background
- Diaz-Rey was charged with forgery under Missouri §570.090 for using a false social security number on a Chick-fil-A employment document, circa August 12, 2011.
- The circuit court granted the motion to dismiss the information without prejudice, ruling the prosecution was preempted by IRCA.
- The state appealed, contending §570.090 is a generally applicable criminal statute not expressly preempted by IRCA and does not regulate immigration.
- IRCA prohibits employers from employing unauthorized workers and requires verification, but does not criminalize employees who seek or engage in work.
- Preemption theory considered: express preemption, field preemption, and conflict preemption; the court analyzes whether IRCA occupies the field or creates an obstacle.
- The Missouri appellate court reversed, reinstating the forgery charge for further proceedings.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether IRCA preempts §570.090. | State argues §570.090 is generally applicable and not expressly preempted. | Diaz-Rey argues IRCA preempts the state forgery charge under field or conflict preemption. | Not preempted; charge reinstated. |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Burns, 994 S.W.2d 941 (Mo. banc 1999) (appeal from dismissal without prejudice authorized from insufficient information)
- State v. Smothers, 297 S.W.3d 626 (Mo.App.2009) (standards for preemption and dismissal on preemption grounds)
- State v. Stringer, 36 S.W.3d 821 (Mo.App.2001) (authority on preemption and state authority)
- Endicott v. Display Technologies, Inc., 77 S.W.3d 612 (Mo. banc 2002) (de novo review for questions of preemption)
- State ex rel. Proctor v. Messina, 320 S.W.3d 145 (Mo. banc 2010) (preemption analysis framework for state statutes)
- Arizona v. United States, 132 S. Ct. 2492 (2012) (IRCA field and employee-penalty framework; preemption discussion)
- CSX Transp., Inc. v. Easterwood, 507 U.S. 658 (1993) (conflict preemption standards)
- Gade v. National Solid Wastes Management Ass’n, 505 U.S. 88 (1992) (general state police power and preemption implications)