Summary
The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed Judith Ensey’s conviction for driving under the influence. The court held that the prosecution presented sufficient foundational evidence under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27-2(c) to admit the Intoxilyzer 5000 breath-test results. It also rejected Ensey’s challenges to the jury instructions concerning the breathalyzer evidence and burden of proof.
Holdings
- The prosecution presented sufficient evidence to satisfy the foundational requirements of G.L. 1956 § 31-27-2(c)(4) and (5), and the trial justice did not abuse her discretion by admitting the breathalyzer results.
- The jury instructions, viewed in their entirety, did not direct a verdict, improperly comment on the evidence, or reduce or shift the state's burden of proof; therefore, the instructions did not constitute reversible error.
Questions Presented
- Whether the prosecution presented sufficient foundational evidence under G.L. 1956 § 31-27-2(c)(4) and (5) to admit the Intoxilyzer 5000 breathalyzer results.
- Whether the trial justice's jury instructions concerning the breathalyzer results directed a verdict for the prosecution, improperly commented on the evidence, or shifted the state's burden of proof.
Disposition
affirmed
Cases Cited (31)
- State v. Lusi, 625 A.2d 1350 (R.I. 1993)(followed)
- State v. Lussier, 511 A.2d 958 (R.I. 1986)(followed)
- State v. Remsburg, 126 Idaho 338, 882 P.2d 993 (Ct. App. 1994)(persuasive)
- State v. Bradley, 120 Idaho 566, 817 P.2d 1090 (Ct. App. 1991)(persuasive)
- State v. Kudlacek, 229 Neb. 297, 426 N.W.2d 289 (1988)(persuasive)
- People v. Dailey, 173 Misc. 2d 431, 661 N.Y.S.2d 512 (N.Y. Co. Ct. 1997)(persuasive)
- Bourdon's, Inc. v. Ecin Industries, Inc., 704 A.2d 747 (R.I. 1997)(followed)
- Soares v. Nationwide Mut. Fire Insurance Co., 692 A.2d 701 (R.I. 1997) (mem.)(followed)
- Malinowski v. United Parcel Service, Inc., 792 A.2d 50 (R.I. 2002)(followed)
- People v. Schneider, 129 Misc. 2d 674, 493 N.Y.S.2d 747 (N.Y. City Crim. Ct. 1985)(distinguished)
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Cited In (0)
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Court Document
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