54 N.C. App. 178 | N.C. Ct. App. | 1981
Lead Opinion
We find no error in defendant’s trial. He first contends the court erred in admitting the testimony of the breathalyzer operator because the operator was not an “expert” witness. The thrust of his argument is that he was not afforded the full potential of cross-examining the witness about blood chemistry and the technical aspects of the machine. This could very well be true of any witness, expert or otherwise. Defendant cannot pick and choose the witnesses aginst him. If they are competent to testify, he must accept the witnesses against him as he finds them for the purposes of cross-examination. Moreover, the state is not required to produce an expert witness to testify concerning a breathalyzer test. The admissibility of such testimony is governed by the rules set forth in State v. Powell, 279 N.C. 608, 184 S.E. 2d 243 (1971), and it is not necessary to repeat them here. The evidence in this respect complied with Powell and N.C.G.S. 20-139.1, and defendant’s assignment of error is overruled.
Defendant next argues that N.C.G.S. 20-138(b) is unconstitutional, and the court erred in submitting this issue to the jury. This Court has previously resolved this question against defendant’s position. The statute is constitutional. State v. Basinger, 30 N.C. App. 45, 226 S.E. 2d 216 (1976).
Defendant attempts to make two additional arguments in his brief. However, he has failed to comply with Rule 28(b)(3) of the North Carolina Rules of Appellate Procedure. No assignment of error or exception is referred to in the brief and we are not directed to that part of the record about which defendant complains. Nevertheless, we have made a voyage of discovery through the record and find no merit in defendant’s last arguments.
The events in question in this appeal occurred on 17 March 1980; the case was tried in district court on 20 May 1980, in
No error.
Concurrence Opinion
concurring.
Luckey’s case was not wholly frivolous. Indeed, his arguments were exceptionally well briefed. I concur in the result, however, because the law is against him. It is especially because I believe each defendant has a right to have his “one day in court” —at the trial and appellate levels — that I write this concurring opinion. I do not oppose methods to expedite appeals of right to avoid unnecessary delay and expense, but I do oppose suggestions to substitute petitions for certiorari for appeals of right.
