51 Conn. App. 4 | Conn. App. Ct. | 1998
Opinion
The defendant appeals from the judgment of conviction, rendered after a jury trial, of one count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs in violation of General Statutes § 14-227a (a) (l).
The jury reasonably could have found the following facts. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on April 12, 1996, a passing motorist, Kevin Scanlon, found the defendant alone and asleep in the driver’s seat of his truck. The defendant’s truck was located on Commerce Drive in the left lane of traffic, near the intersection with Huntington Street in Shelton. Scanlon found the truck’s engine running with the headlights and taillights illuminated, the right turn signal flashing and the radio playing loudly.
Scanlon approached the truck and attempted to awaken the defendant. The defendant’s eyes were closed, his head was tilted downward toward the floor and his feet were under the steering wheel. The defendant was leaning against the driver side door with his head against the window. Unable to awaken the defendant, Scanlon went to summon the police. When he returned, Scanlon observed that the vehicle and the defendant were in the same positions that they had been in when he had left.
Scanlon tried again, unsuccessfully, to awaken the defendant. Looking inside the truck, Scanlon observed that the keys were in the ignition, the gearshift was in
Officer Kevin Aheam of the Shelton police department arrived at approximately 11:50 p.m., spoke briefly with Scanlon and then attempted to awaken the defendant. Aheam shook and yelled at the defendant for approximately five minutes before the defendant woke up. Ahearn then inquired whether the defendant was ill or needed assistance. The defendant replied that he did not. Aheam reported that the defendant’s eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot, and that he detected an odor of alcohol.
When asked to produce his operator’s license, the defendant removed a $20 bill from his wallet and gave it to Aheam without saying anything. Aheam retained the bill as evidence.
At the police station, the defendant was advised of his Miranda rights. When asked if he understood them, the defendant stared at Aheam and refused to sign the notification of rights form. The defendant was then advised of Connecticut’s implied consent law, General Statutes § 14-227b, and given the opportunity to contact an attorney. The defendant contacted his wife and then
The first test, conducted at 12:56 a.m., resulted in a blood alcohol reading of 0.191 percent. The second, conducted at 1:32 a.m., resulted in a reading of 0.182 percent. Both readings were above the legal limit of 0.1 percent. The defendant was then asked a series of questions. During that time, he exhibited an indignant demeanor, slurred speech, and his eyes were red and glassy.
The defendant was originally charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor pursuant to § 14-227a. After a motor vehicle license suspension hearing pursuant to § 14-227b, the state filed a two count substitute information charging the defendant in the first count with a violation of § 14-227a (a) (1) and in the second count with a violation of § 14-227a (a) (2). The jury convicted the defendant on the first count and acquitted him on the second. This appeal followed.
I
The defendant first claims that the judiciary is precluded from exercising jurisdiction in this case. Specifically, he argues that the trial court’s suspension of his license, pursuant to § 14-227a (h),
“A party challenging the constitutionality of a statute bears the heavy burden of establishing its unconstitutionality beyond a reasonable doubt. . . . The court will indulge in every presumption in favor of the statute’s constitutionality and, when interpreting a statute, will search for an effective and constitutional construction that reasonably accords with the legislature’s underlying intent.” (Citations omitted.) State v. Campbell, 224 Conn. 168, 176, 617 A.2d 889 (1992), cert. denied, 508 U.S. 919, 113 S. Ct. 2365, 124 L. Ed. 2d 271 (1993).
Our Supreme Court has previously recognized that the powers of the three separate governmental branches inherently overlap, covering acts that are common to more than one branch. See University of Connecticut Chapter, AAUP v. Governor, 200 Conn. 386, 394, 512 A.2d 152 (1986), citing State v. Clemente, 166 Conn. 501, 510, 353 A.2d 723 (1974). Consequently, the court has consistently held that the separation of powers doctrine cannot be rigidly applied. Bartholomew v. Schweizer, 217 Conn. 671, 676, 587 A.2d 1014 (1991); University of Connecticut Chapter, AAUP v. Governor, supra, 394; State v. Darden, 171 Conn. 677, 679, 372 A.2d 99 (1976); Adams v. Rubinow, 157 Conn. 150, 155, 251 A.2d 49 (1968).
Here, the defendant contends that § 14-227a (h)
We have previously recognized, however, that “[t]he legislative scheme [of §§ 14-227a and 14-227b] establishes two separate and distinct proceedings. The administrative suspension of an operator’s license is under the jurisdiction of the department of motor vehicles and the prosecution of the underlying offense of driving while intoxicated falls within the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system.” State v. Washburn, 34 Conn. App. 557, 564 n.12, 642 A.2d 70, cert. denied, 230 Conn. 912, 645 A.2d 1017 (1994); see also State v. Hickam, 235 Conn. 614, 622, 668 A.2d 1321, cert. denied, 517 U.S. 1221, 116 S. Ct. 1851, 134 L. Ed. 2d 951 (1996);
It is clear that the legislative scheme of §§ 14-227a and 14-227b intended two separate and distinct proceedings, each under the jurisdiction of a different governmental branch. Moreover, there is no evidence whatsoever that the suspension of drivers’ licenses pursuant to § 14-227a (h) “significantly interfere[s] with the orderly performance of the [court’s] essential functions.” University of Connecticut Chapter, AAUP v. Governor, supra, 200 Conn. 394-95. We conclude that the defendant’s claim is without merit. The trial court’s suspension of his license, pursuant to § 14-227a (h), does not violate the separation of powers provision of the constitution of Connecticut. Accordingly, the trial court properly exercised jurisdiction in this matter.
II
The defendant next claims that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support his conviction of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. We disagree.
In reviewing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to sustaining the jury’s verdict. See State v. Salz, 226 Conn. 20, 30-31, 627 A.2d 862 (1993). Accordingly, we inquire “whether there is a reasonable view of the evidence that supports the jury’s verdict of guilty”; State v. Sivri, 231 Conn. 115, 134, 646 A.2d 169 (1994); and not “whether there is a reasonable view of the evidence
Our decision in State v. Ducatt, 22 Conn. App. 88, 575 A.2d 708, cert. denied, 217 Conn. 804, 584 A.2d 472 (1990), addressed the issue of what constitutes operation of a motor vehicle within the meaning of § 14-227a (a) (1). We concluded that an individual “operates a motor vehicle within the meaning of General Statutes § 14-227a (a) when, while under the influence of alcohol or any drug and while in the vehicle and in a position to control its movements, he manipulates, for any purpose, the machinery of the motor or any other machinery manipulable from the driver’s position that affects or could affect the vehicle’s movement, whether the accused moves the vehicle or not.” State v. Ducatt, supra, 93. The statute does not require that intent to move the vehicle be established. Id.
Here, the defendant argued that no jury reasonably could have found that his vehicle was operable. The defendant argues that State v. Englehart, 158 Conn. 117, 256 A.2d 231 (1969), which is factually similar, is not controlling. In Englehart, the defendant was found by police slumped over the steering wheel of an automobile unconscious and intoxicated. The vehicle was located in the center of the roadway with its taillights and headlights illuminated, the key was in the ignition
In the present case, while it is undisputed that the police did not move the vehicle, as was the case in Englehart, the defendant’s vehicle was found in similar circumstances. Specifically, the defendant was found alone and asleep in the driver’s seat with his feet under the steering wheel. The vehicle was stopped in the left lane of traffic, near an intersection, with its engine running and gearshift in drive. The right turn signal was flashing, the taillights and headlights were illuminated, and the heater and radio were also on. These facts clearly indicate that the vehicle was operable at the time it was found. Because there were no facts to suggest that the vehicle had been towed or pushed, and because it appeared to be operational, there was a reasonable basis for the inference that the vehicle had been operated by the defendant.
Viewing this evidence in the light most favorable to sustaining the verdict, we conclude that the jury reasonably could have found that the defendant was driving while intoxicated and fell asleep on Commerce Drive, where he was found.
The defendant next claims that the trial court improperly admitted the intoxilyzer results and that such an improper admission requires the reversal of the judgment of conviction.
Specifically, the defendant contends that General Statutes (Rev. to 1995) § 14-227a (d), as amended by Public Acts 1995, No. 95-314, § 1, precluded the trial court from admitting the intoxilyzer results with respect to the first count of the information because he did not request that the results be admitted
First, as in Cooper, the defendant in the present case was also charged with the violation of both subdivisions of § 14-227a (a). Consequently, here, as in Cooper, the intoxilyzer results are admissible without the defendant’s request and, in fact, are necessary to prove a violation of § 14-227a (a) (2), pursuant to subsection (c).
In Cooper, the trial court gave an appropriate instruction as to the § 14-227a (a) (2) charge, but improperly instructed the juiy that it could consider the blood alcohol test results, in addition to other evidence, when determining whether to convict the defendant of violating § 14-227a (a) (1). Id., 671. In so doing, the trial court permitted the jury to consider the chemical evidence in determining the defendant’s guilt under § 14-227a (a) (1) in direct violation of the statute. Id., 673. No such problem exists here.
Accordingly, we conclude that there was no plain error and that the intoxilyzer results were properly admitted.
IV
The defendant next claims that the trial court improperly admitted testimony pertaining to his production of a $20 bill in response to the police officer’s request for his driver’s license because the evidence was more prejudicial than probative.
Trial courts have wide discretion with regard to evidentiary issues, and their rulings will be reversed only if there has been an abuse of discretion or a manifest
There are four situations where prejudice to the defendant could outweigh the probative value of evidence: “(1) where the facts offered may unduly arouse the jury’s emotions, hostility or sympathy, (2) where the proof and answering evidence it provokes may create a side issue that will unduly distract the jury from the main issues, (3) where the evidence offered and the counterproof will consume an undue amount of time, and (4) where the defendant, having no reasonable ground to anticipate the evidence, is unfairly surprised and unprepared to meet it.” State v. DeMatteo, 186 Conn. 696, 702-703, 443 A.2d 915 (1982). The defendant’s sole claim regarding the $20 bill is that the testimony falls within the first situation because it may have suggested to the jury that he attempted to bribe the police officer.
It was undisputed that the defendant’s production of a $20 bill instead of his license was highly probative of his level of impairment and ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. While the defendant contends that the testimony concerning his production of the currency was prejudicial because it was suggestive of an attempted bribe, the state never charged him with bribery.
Alternatively, even if the trial court improperly admitted the testimony, we conclude that any error was harmless. The defendant has not proven that harm resulted from the admission of the testimony. The testimonial evidence concerning the defendant’s production of currency was used to demonstrate that he was so inebri
V
The defendant next claims that the trial court improperly admitted evidence concerning the field sobriety tests. He contends that field sobriety tests are scientific evidence that require expert testimony prior to their admission into evidence.
A
Before we discuss whether field sobriety tests constitute scientific evidence, we must first address the defendant’s contention that Miranda warnings were required prior to the administration of those tests.
The United States Supreme Court has held that questioning at the scene and conducting field sobriety tests does not involve custody for purposes of Miranda. See Pennsylvania v. Bruder, 488 U.S. 9, 11, 109 S. Ct. 205, 102 L. Ed. 2d 172 (1988). Indeed, we have noted that our case law presumes that such testing is “incident to the initial stop, based on the officer’s reasonable suspicion, rather than on the subsequent arrest.” State v. Lamme, 19 Conn. App. 594, 601, 563 A.2d 1372 (1989), aff'd, 216 Conn. 172, 579 A.2d 484 (1990). We have concluded that such roadside testing and questioning based on “a reasonable, articulable suspicion in the absence
Accordingly, we conclude that the defendant was not required to be advised of his Miranda rights prior to being administered the field sobriety tests.
B
We now address whether field sobriety tests constitute scientific evidence. Prior to our Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Porter, 241 Conn. 57, 698 A.2d 739 (1997) (en banc), cert. denied, 523 U.S. 1058, 118 S. Ct. 1384, 140 L. Ed. 2d 645 (1998), Connecticut courts used the test outlined in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923), for determining the admissibility of scientific evidence. While the events at issue occurred prior to the Porter decision, we conclude that the Frye test is inapplicable to the field sobriety tests used in this case.
The Frye test was found to be appropriate when the “nature of the scientific evidence had the ‘potential to mislead lay jurors awed by an aura of mystic infallibility surrounding scientific techniques, experts and the fancy devices employed.’ ” State v. Borrelli, 227 Conn. 153, 164, 629 A.2d 1105 (1993), quoting State v. Hasan, 205 Conn. 485, 490, 534 A.2d 877 (1987). Satisfaction of the Frye test, however, was not required in all cases. See State v. Borrelli, supra, 164. Satisfying the Frye test is not required in cases where “ ‘the jury is in a position to weigh the probative value of the testimony without abandoning common sense and sacrificing independent judgment to the expert’s assertions based on his special skill or knowledge. . . . Furthermore, where understanding of the method is accessible to the jury, and not dependent on familiarity with highly technical or obscure scientific theories, the expert’s qualifications, and the logical bases of his opinions and conclusions can be effectively challenged by cross-examination and rebuttal evidence.’ ” Id., quoting State v. Hasan, supra, 491. Such a situation exists in this case.
As we have discussed previously, trial court rulings concerning evidentiary issues will be reversed only if there has been an abuse of discretion or a manifest injustice appears to have occurred. See State v. Robinson, supra, 227 Conn. 732. Accordingly, because the field sobriety tests did not require expert testimony as a precondition of admission, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by admitting evidence concerning those tests.
VI
The defendant’s final claim is that the trial court improperly denied his motion to suppress statements
“To be valid, a waiver must be voluntary, knowing and intelligent.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Smith, 42 Conn. App. 41, 46, 680 A.2d 1340 (1996), quoting State v. Stanley, 223 Conn. 674, 686, 613 A.2d 788 (1992). The state must establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant knowingly and intelligently waived his Miranda rights. See State v. Santiago, 245 Conn. 301, 320, 715 A.2d 1 (1998); State v. Barrett, 205 Conn. 437, 449, 534 A.2d 219 (1987). In reviewing the validity of a waiver, “we look, as did the trial court, to the totality of the circumstances of the claimed waiver.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Santiago, supra, 320; State v. Madera, 210 Conn. 22, 49, 554 A.2d 263 (1989). The trial court’s findings will be reversed only if they are clearly erroneous. State v. Smith, supra, 47.
After reviewing the record, we conclude that on the basis of the defendant’s conversations with the police and responses to questions posed by them, the state established a knowing and voluntary waiver.
The judgment is affirmed.
In this opinion the other judges concurred.
General Statutes § 14-227a (a) provides in relevant part: “No person shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or both. A person commits the offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or both if he operates a motor vehicle on a public highway of this state ... (1) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or both or (2) while the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person is ten-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight.”
The defendant was not charged with bribery.
During the telephone call, the defendant was heard to say, “They got me here. I’m at the police station. Call Pilsky.”
Pilsky is taken to be the lawyer the defendant wanted his wife to contact.
General Statutes § 14-227a (h) provides in relevant part: “Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) For conviction of a first violation, (A) be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and (B) be (i) imprisoned not more than six months, forty-eight consecutive hours of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner or (il l imprisoned not more than six months . . .
Article second of the constitution of Connecticut, as amended by article eighteen of the amendments, provides: “The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them confided to a separate magistracy, to wit, those which are legislative, to one; those which are executive, to another; and those which are judicial, to another. The legislative department may delegate regulatory authority to the executive department; except that any administrative regulation of any agency of the executive department may be disapproved by the general assembly or a committee thereof in such manner as shall by law be prescribed.”
See footnote 5.
General Statutes § 14-227b (h) provides in relevant part: “The commissioner shall suspend the operator’s license . . . and revoke the temporary operator’s license ... for a period of: (1) (A) Ninety days, if such person submitted to a test or analysis and the results of such test or analysis indicated that the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was ten-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight . . . .”
The defendant asserts two scenarios consistent with his innocence. In his brief, the defendant argues that (1) someone else drove the vehicle to the scene and left, leaving the defendant—originally a passenger—behind the wheel as he slumped over in his sleep, and (2) a passerby may have
The claim was not preserved at trial, but we review it as a claim of plain error that the statute was violated.
General Statutes (Rev. to 1995) § 14-227a (d), as amended by Public Acts 1995, No. 95-314, § 1, provides in relevant part: “In any prosecution for a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, reliable evidence respecting the amount of alcohol in the defendant’s blood ... at the time of the alleged offense, as shown by a chemical analysis of the defendant’s blood, breath . . . otherwise admissible under subsection (c) of this section, shall be admissible only at the request of the defendant.”
General Statutes § 14-227a (c) provides in relevant part: “Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, in any criminal prosecution for
Two tests were conducted: (1) the one-legged stand and (2) the walk and turn. The first requires that a person raise one leg six inches off the ground, hold both hands at the sides and count to thirty by “one thousands.” The second test requires a person to take nine steps forward, touching heel to toe, and then, keeping one foot on the ground, turn around and repeat the process back to the point of origin while counting the steps aloud.
In Merritt, the defendant was subjected to the one-legged stand, walk and turn, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests. State v. Merritt, supra, 36 Conn. App. 79 (horizontal gaze nystagmus test held to require Frye analysis prior to admission of evidence concerning test or its results).
