| Nov 13, 2020 | Case: 19-014349MU10A | Judge Solomon |
| Facts: | The defendant was stopped after the officer observed him cross the yellow lane marker a full tire width, nearly strike the center median, and then drifting all over. The officer observed an odor of alcohol, a flushed face, bloodshot eyes, and he stated he had consumed 4 vodka drinks. He performed poorly on roadside tests. For example, on the walk and turn, he stepped off the line, used his arms for balance, and had to stop to steady himself. On the one leg stand, he put his foot down and raised his arms for balance. He was then arrested for DUI and later refused the breath test. | |
| Defense: | Parks & Braxton filed a motion to suppress the lawfulness of the traffic stop. At the motion hearing, the prosecutor played the video of the incident and put on testimony of the DUI task force officer. The officer testified that the video was not a complete story of the driving pattern. Specifically, the driving pattern prior to the video was more erratic than what the video revealed. The Court agreed with Parks and Braxton in that the video was the best evidence and concluded that while the video did show a vehicle weaving within the lane, the severity did not rise to the level of "significant and continuous" required by case law. The Court granted the motion and excluded all of the evidence. The DUI was Dismissed. | |
| Result: | The DUI was dismissed. | |