State v. Varney, 370 A.2d 289

Memorandum Opinion

Defendant was charged with the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor in violation of ESA 262-A.-62 (Supp. 1975). Defendant moved to suppress the results of a blood test sample of 0.17 percent alcohol by weight because of a twelve-day delay from the date the sample was taken to the date the sample was analyzed by the state police laboratory. This delay is asserted to violate RSA 262-A: 69-i (Supp. 1975).

The chemist who performed the analysis of the sample testified that any deterioration would have worked to the defendant’s favor, not the state’s. Because the timing of delivery of the blood sample to the state laboratory for analysis is “not part of the procedure for conducting the chemical test,” the defendant may not take advantage of the provision for exclusion of evidence pursuant to RSA 262-A: 69-i (Supp. 1975). State v. Paul, 116 N.H. 252, 356 A.2d 661 (1976); State v. Groulx, 109 N.H. 281, 249 A.2d 690 (1969). To the extent the twelve-day delay has any effect on the evidence it would relate to its weight and not its admissibility. State v. Gallant, 108 N.H. 72, 73-75, 227 A.2d 597, 598-99 (1967); State v. LaFountain, 108 N.H. 219, 231 A.2d 635 (1967).

This case raises no new or important question for this court. See State v. Miller, 117 N.H. 67, 369 A.2d 197 (1977). The transferring of questions such as herein raised by district and municipal courts pursuant to RSA 502-A:17-a (Supp. 1975) on interlocutory matters should not be encouraged. See, e.g., RSA 491: App. R. 88 (Supp. 1975).

Denial of defendants motion affirmed; remanded.

Case Details

Case Name: State v. Varney

Court Name: Supreme Court of New Hampshire

Date Published: Feb 28, 1977

Citations: 370 A.2d 289; 117 N.H. 163; 1977 N.H. LEXIS 293; 7565

Docket Number: 7565

Court Abbreviation: N.H.