State v. Harding
2014 Ohio 884
Ohio Ct. App.2014Background
- Harding challenged a County Court ALS denial after an ALS appeal based solely on BMV Form 2255.
- Form 2255 listed strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and drinking admission as grounds for OVI arrest.
- Defense argued the form alone did not show impairment or other indicia of intoxication; burden to show reasonable grounds.
- The trial court denied the ALS appeal; Harding appealed to the Seventh District.
- State confessed judgment, conceding the ALS denial was improper, and the case proceeded on appeal.
- Court reversed the ALS denial and remanded to complete forms to overturn the administrative license suspension.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Were there reasonable grounds to believe Harding operated under the influence? | Harding | Harding | Reversed; insufficient grounds in Form 2255; remanded for proper forms. |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Williams, 76 Ohio St.3d 290 (1996) (ALS appeal final; civil-like proceeding)
- State v. Gustafson, 76 Ohio St.3d 425 (1996) (implied consent arrest requires probable cause for arrest)
- State v. Homan, 89 Ohio St.3d 421 (2000) (totality of facts for probable cause in OVI cases)
- State v. Derov, 2009-Ohio-5513 (2009) (lack of reasonable suspicion where no impairment indicators)