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Date: 02-03-2021
Case Style:
STATE OF OHIO - vs - DAVID MILLER
Case Number: CA2020-01-003
Judge: Robert A Hendrickson
Court: IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
WARREN COUNTY
Plaintiff's Attorney: David P. Fornshell, Warren County Prosecuting Attorney
Defendant's Attorney:
OR
Just Call 855-853-4800 for Free Help Finding a Lawyer Help You.
Description:
Middletown, OH - Criminal defense attorney represented David Miller with driving under the influence of alcohol ("OVI").
Around 7:00 p.m. on December 27, 2018, Officer Greg Watkins of the
Hamilton Township Police Department was dispatched to a single vehicle crash in Warren
County. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Watkins observed a vehicle with severe front-
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end damage parked in a residential neighborhood's roadway. Due to the severity of the
damage, the vehicle appeared inoperable. After arriving, Officer Watkins made contact with
Miller, who was sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle. At that point, Miller informed the
officer that he was driving when the vehicle's brakes locked up, which caused him to lose
control of the vehicle and crash into a guardrail. Miller did not sustain any injuries as a
result of the accident.
{¶3} While discussing the accident with Miller, Officer Watkins noticed a strong
odor of alcohol on Miller's breath and that Miller was slurring his speech. Officer Watkins
asked Miller if he had been drinking, and Miller responded that he had a drink on the way
to the bar and another drink while he was at the bar. At that point Officer Watkins asked
Miller to perform field sobriety tests and Miller agreed. Miller then exited his vehicle and
appeared slightly off balance.
{¶4} After exiting his vehicle, Miller agreed to perform the Horizontal Gaze
Nystagmus ("HGN"), the one-leg stand, and the walk-and-turn tests. During the tests,
Officer Watkins noticed multiple indicators of impairment. As a result, Officer Watkins
arrested Miller for driving under the influence of alcohol ("OVI") in violation of R.C.
4511.19(A)(1)(a) and (d) and failing to maintain reasonable control of his vehicle in violation
of R.C. 4511.202.
{¶5} After his arrest, Miller was transported to the Lebanon state highway patrol
post where he consented to taking a breathalyzer test. State Trooper Jacob Olsen
administered the test using the Intoxilyzer 8000, which is a self-controlled, self-calibrating
breath test. At the conclusion of the test, Miller registered an alcohol content of .153 grams
per 210 liters of breath.
{¶6} Miller entered a not guilty plea to the charges. Thereafter, in March 2019,
Miller moved to suppress evidence obtained as a result of Officer Watkins' investigation.
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Specifically, the boilerplate motion sought to suppress any tests of Miller's coordination,
sobriety, alcohol, or drug level; any observations and opinions of the officer who stopped
Miller; any statements made by Miller; and any physical evidence obtained by the police.
Notably, Miller did not allege any case-specific factual bases for his challenges. After a
hearing, Miller submitted a written closing argument, wherein he argued the evidence
should be suppressed for three reasons: (1) the state failed to establish the breath test was
taken within three hours of the accident; (2) the state failed to prove it complied with seven
Ohio Administrative Code ("OAC") provisions; and (3) Officer Watkins did not properly
administer the field sobriety tests.
{¶7} In June 2019, the trial court granted in part and denied in part Miller's motion
to suppress. Specifically, the trial court found it is unclear whether Officer Watkins
"correctly conducted the HGN tests," and suppressed any mention of the HGN test and
Officer Watkins' observations during the HGN test as a result. The trial court denied Miller's
motion in all other respects. Relating to the breathalyzer test results, the trial court stated
the following in its decision:
Trooper Olsen's testimony focused on the breathalyzer test.
There was cause to perform the breathalyzer test. Trooper
Olsen testified that the machine was functioning properly per the
protocol provided to him, and the test was performed as
instructed. That test will not be suppressed.
Miller moved the trial court to reconsider its decision not to suppress the breathalyzer test
results, which the trial court denied.
{¶8} In November 2019, Miller entered a no contest plea to the three charges. The
charges merged for sentencing purposes, and the trial court elected to proceed on the OVI
charge brought pursuant to R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a). The trial court sentenced Miller to 180
days in jail, suspended his license for one year, and imposed a $375 fine, plus costs. The
sentence was stayed pending this appeal.
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{¶9} Miller now appeals, raising three assignments of error for our review.
{¶10} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶11} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS THE BREATH TEST BASED UPON THE 3 HOUR RULE.
{¶12} In his first assignment of error, Miller argues the trial court erred in failing to
suppress the results of the breathalyzer test because the state failed to prove Miller took
the breath test within three hours of operating his vehicle while under the influence of
alcohol. We disagree.
{¶13} Appellate review of a trial court's decision to grant or deny a motion to
suppress is a mixed question of law and fact. State v. Bell, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2008-
05-044, 2009-Ohio-2335, ¶ 8. Acting as the trier of fact, the trial court is in the best position
to resolve factual questions and evaluate witness credibility. State v. Harsh, 12th Dist.
Madison No. CA2013-07-025, 2014-Ohio-251, ¶ 9. Therefore, when reviewing the denial
of a motion to suppress, a reviewing court is bound to accept the trial court's findings of fact
if they are supported by competent, credible evidence. State v. Durham, 12th Dist. Warren
No. CA2013-03-023, 2013-Ohio-4764, ¶ 14, 999 N.E.2d 1233. "An appellate court,
however, independently reviews the trial court's legal conclusions based on those facts and
determines, without deference to the trial court's decision, whether as a matter of law, the
facts satisfy the appropriate legal standard." Id.
{¶14} R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) provides that "[n]o person shall operate any vehicle * *
* if, at the time of the operation * * * [t]he person is under the influence of alcohol[.]" In a
criminal prosecution for a violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1), "the court may admit evidence on
the concentration of alcohol * * * in the defendant's * * * breath * * * at the time of the alleged
violation as shown by chemical analysis of the substance withdrawn within three hours of
the alleged violation." R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b).
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{¶15} Miller claims the state failed to establish the "breath test was taken within 3
hours" of the accident. Whether the state complied with the statutory time limit for the
administration of a breath test is a foundational question to be determined by the trial court.
State v. Robertson, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA91-10-179, 1992 Ohio App. LEXIS 3874, *2
(July 27, 1992). In turn, because Miller challenges the trial court's factual finding that the
breathalyzer test was administered to him within the statutory time limit, this court must
accept that finding so long as it was supported by competent, credible evidence. State v.
Lester, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2009-07-093, 2010-Ohio-41, ¶ 8.
{¶16} At the suppression hearing, Officer Watkins testified he was dispatched to a
single vehicle crash at 6:57 p.m. According to the record, Trooper Olsen administered the
breathalyzer test approximately one hour later at 7:56 p.m. Officer Watkins described the
area where the accident occurred as a "pretty visible" and heavy traffic area, as well as
"probably one of the most busiest" areas. The car sat inoperable and blocking the lane of
travel until Officer Watkins arrived.
{¶17} Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Watkins made contact with Miller, who was
seated in the driver's seat of his car. At that point, Miller informed the officer that the brakes
in his vehicle had locked up, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into
the guardrail. Miller also confirmed he had consumed alcohol "prior to his travels," including
a drink on the way to the bar and a drink while at the bar. While Miller did not give any
indication as to when the accident occurred or whether he had exited the car since the
accident, Miller was not injured or unconscious when the officer arrived.
{¶18} After a review of the record, we find there is competent and credible evidence
that the breathalyzer test was administered to Miller within three hours of the alleged
violation. As discussed above, Officer Watkins arrived at the scene of the accident at 6:57
p.m., and Miller submitted to the breathalyzer test at 7:56 p.m. Consequently, for the three-
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hour statutory time limit to have expired, Miller's accident would have had to occur more
than two hours prior to Officer Watkins' arrival to the scene. This conclusion is unsupported
by the record where, as is the case here, Miller's vehicle rested inoperable in the lane of
travel in what the officer described as a visible part of one of the busiest areas of traffic and
at a time where the traffic flow was described as "heavy." Furthermore, when the officer
arrived, Miller remained in his vehicle, uninjured and capable of exiting. Because Miller had
the capability to exit the vehicle, we find it is improbable that Miller would have remained in
his vehicle for over two hours after crashing his vehicle into the guardrail. When considering
the above facts, we find there is simply no evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, to indicate
anything other than the accident occurred shortly before Officer Watkins was dispatched to
the scene. See Lester at ¶ 12.
{¶19} Moreover, the fact that there was no direct evidence to prove Miller had
crashed his vehicle within two hours before Officer Watkins responded to the dispatch is
immaterial as "circumstantial evidence and direct evidence inherently have the same
probative value[.]" State v. Wilkinson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2018-08-087, 2019-Ohio1199, ¶ 39, citing State v. Wright, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2017-10-021, 2018-Ohio-1982,
¶ 32. As such, given the circumstances surrounding Miller's accident, there is competent
credible evidence within the record to indicate Miller had crashed his vehicle while under
the influence of alcohol shortly before Officer Watkins arrived on the scene. Therefore,
because the state presented sufficient circumstantial evidence that the accident occurred
less than two hours before Officer Watkins was dispatched to the scene, we conclude the
state complied with the statutory time limit for the administration of a breath test and the
trial court did not err in denying Miller's motion to suppress on those grounds.
{¶20} Accordingly, Miller's first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶21} Assignment of Error No. 2:
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{¶22} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS THE BREATH TEST BASED UPON NO EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH
THE OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE.
{¶23} Miller argues in his second assignment of error that the trial court erred in
finding the breath test results should not be suppressed. Specifically, Miller claims there is
no evidence of compliance with several provisions of the OAC and therefore, the state failed
to carry its burden to prove the test result is admissible.
{¶24} Pursuant to Crim.R. 47, in filing a motion to suppress in a criminal proceeding,
a defendant "shall state with particularity the grounds upon which it is made and shall set
forth the relief or order sought." This requires a defendant to "state the motion's legal and
factual bases with sufficient particularity to place the prosecutor and the court on notice of
the issues to be decided." State v. Shindler, 70 Ohio St.3d 54 (1994), syllabus. After the
defendant meets this burden by effectively placing the prosecutor and the court on sufficient
notice of the issues to be determined, the burden then shifts to the state to show substantial
compliance with the applicable standards, in this case the OAC requirements and certain
Ohio Department of Health ("ODH") regulations. State v. Plunkett, 12th Dist. Warren No.
CA2007-01-012, 2008-Ohio-1014, ¶ 11, citing City of Xenia v. Wallace, 37 Ohio St.3d 216,
220 (1988).
{¶25} Although the burden shifts to the state, the extent of the state's burden of proof
establishing substantial compliance "only extends to the level with which the defendant
takes issue with the legality of the test." State v. Nicholson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2003-
10-106, 2004-Ohio-6666, ¶ 10. For example, "[w]hen a defendant files a motion to suppress
that provides factual bases specific to the defendant's case in support of his or her claims
that a particular ODH regulation was not followed, the state must show substantial
compliance with that ODH regulation." State v. Dugan, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-04-
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081, 2013-Ohio-447 ¶ 33, citing State v. Deutsch, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2008-03-035,
2008-Ohio-5658, ¶ 11.
{¶26} However, "[w]hen the language in the motion to suppress raises only general
claims, even though accompanied by specific administrative code subsections, then there
is only a slight burden on the state to show, in general terms, compliance with the health
regulations." State v. Jimenez, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2006-01-005, 2007-Ohio-1658, ¶
25. Yet, even in those instances, the defendant may still provide some factual bases, either
during cross-examination or by conducting formal discovery, to support a claim that the
standards were not followed in an effort to raise the "slight burden" placed on the state.
Plunkett at ¶ 25-26, citing State v. Embry, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2003-11-110, 2004-
Ohio-6324, ¶ 12.
{¶27} In this case, Miller's boilerplate motion alleged, among other things, that
Miller's breath test results should be suppressed unless the state could demonstrate
conformity with 14 OAC provisions. Specifically, Miller alleged the state was required to
prove "the instrument was in proper working order, that its manipulator had the qualifications
to conduct the test, and that such test was made in accordance with the Ohio Department
of Health Regulations," as well as substantial compliance with the OAC's record keeping
requirements.
{¶28} In Miller's written closing argument, he abandoned half of the challenges
identified in his motion to suppress, and argued the state failed to prove compliance with
the following OAC provisions:
1) No proof of a yearly instrument certification required by OAC
3701-53-04(C).
2) The instrument was not certified using an instrument check
solution containing ethyl alcohol approved by the Director of
Health. OAC 3701-53-04(C).
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3) The instrument certification required by the OAC was not at
or within five one-thousandths (.005) grams per two hundred
ten liters of the target value for that instrument check
solution. OAC 3701-53-04(A)(2).
4) The instrument check solution was used more than three
months after its date of first use. OAC 3701-53-04(E).
5) The instrument check solution was used after the
manufacturer's expiration date, or more than three years
after its date of manufacture, notwithstanding the
manufacturer's expiration date. OAC 3701-53-04(E).
6) The instrument check solution was not kept under
refrigeration after first use, and the solution container has not
been retained for reference until the calibration solution is
discarded. OAC 3701-53-04(E).
7) The results of instrument checks, calibration checks, and
records of maintenance and repairs have not been retained
in accordance with paragraph (A) of rule 3701-53-01 of OAC
that requires they be retained for not less than three years.
OAC 3701-53-04(G).
{¶29} Although Miller's motion did not cite to any facts specific to this case to support
his allegations that the state failed to follow the above regulations, this court has considered
similarly worded motions, although broad and sweeping, as sufficient to put the prosecutor
and the court on notice that the appellant wished to generally challenge the maintenance,
calibration, and testing procedures related to the breathalyzer test. See Embry, 2004-Ohio6324 at fn. 1, ¶ 14. As a result, we find Miller adequately challenged the state's compliance
with the seven regulations set forth above. However, because Miller's challenges are
general, the state is only required to demonstrate, in general terms, that it substantially
complied with the regulations. Id. at ¶ 12.
{¶30} At the hearing on the motion to suppress, Trooper Olsen, who administered
the breathalyzer test, testified regarding Miller's breath test. The trooper testified his
position as a trooper included conducting breathalyzer tests on subjects brought in by the
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Hamilton Township Police Department. According to the trooper, his department uses the
Intoxilyzer 8000, which he described as a self-controlled, self-calibrating, breath test that
measures the amount of alcohol in a subject's deep lungs. The trooper indicated he was
trained to be an operator for the Intoxilyzer 8000, which includes a course on operating the
machine as well as a test and yearly "refresher." He stated he had been certified to use the
Intoxilyzer 8000 since approximately February 2014 and had administered between 50 and
100 tests since becoming certified.
{¶31} Trooper Olsen then discussed his standard operation of the machine.
Specifically, according to Trooper Olsen, when he runs the machine it proceeds to go
through self-checks. Those self-checks appear as a "checklist" of sub-screens and operate
to ensure the machine and its gas chamber are functioning properly and that the tests
results are accurate. The trooper indicated the self-check on the gas chamber ensures the
results of the breath test will be "plus or minus .003 percent BAC." Trooper Olsen could not
detail specifically what other self-checks the machine conducted; however, he indicated that
if the machine detects an error, the Ohio Department of Health shuts the machine down
until it is fixed. Additionally, the Department of Health is responsible for calibrating the
machine when something goes wrong.
{¶32} At the hearing, Trooper Olsen also detailed the test he administered on Miller
on December 27, 2018, including a discussion of State's Exhibit 2, the paper results of
Miller's breathalyzer test. The trooper testified that he completed the checklist prior to
administering Miller's breathalyzer test to ensure the machine was operating properly that
day. Additionally, based upon State's Exhibit 2, the trooper stated the machine had
conducted the self-checks when he administered Miller's breathalyzer test and did not
identify any problems with the test. He further indicated any issues would be noted on the
results of Miller's breathalyzer test, and because there were none identified on State's
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Exhibit 2, he had no reason to believe the machine was malfunctioning in any way. Trooper
Olsen then confirmed the machine was operating properly before and during Miller's test.
At the conclusion of the test, Miller registered an alcohol content of .153 grams per 210
liters of breath.
{¶33} The state relies heavily upon State's Exhibit 2 to demonstrate it substantially
complied with the seven OAC provisions set forth in Miller's motion. State's Exhibit 2
indicates the machine was last certified on 12/20/2018, seven days before Miller's
breathalyzer test, and that the solution used in the test was certified by the ODH and labeled
as Certified Solution #ODH-0026.
{¶34} On cross-examination, the trooper testified he is not sure of the age of his
Intoxilyzer 8000 and reiterated that everything is "self-contained" on the machine. The
trooper further indicated he is aware the department of health has some requirements for
the machine but is unsure of what those requirements are. The trooper was also unsure if
the machine had any prior maintenance issues, or how many times it had been "out" for
service, but confirmed he had no prior issues with the machine. On cross-examination,
Miller did not specifically address any of the issues identified in his motion to suppress.
Instead, Miller focused on the age of the machine and the calibration checks.
{¶35} Based on the above, we find the state produced enough evidence at the
hearing on Miller's motion to suppress to create a reasonable inference that the machine
had been certified within the last year as required by O.A.C. 3701-53-04(C); the machine
was certified using an instrument check solution as defined by O.A.C. 3701-53-04(C); and
that the instrument check solution was within five one-thousandths grams per two hundred
ten liters of the target value for that instrument check solution as defined by O.A.C. 3701-
53-04(A)(2). Specifically, State's Exhibit 2 indicates the Intoxilyzer 8000 used by the trooper
was last certified by the ODH seven days before Miller's breathalyzer test, with a test
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solution that was certified by the ODH and within the requisite target level. Such evidence
is sufficient to show, in general terms, that the requirements set forth in OAC 3701-53-04(C)
and 3701-53-04(A)(2) were met.
{¶36} However, regarding Miller's remaining four challenges, we find the state failed
to demonstrate, even in general terms, that it substantially complied with OAC 3701-53-
04(E) and (G). First, Miller's motion specifically put the prosecution on notice that Miller
intended to challenge the state's compliance with OAC 3701-53-04(E). The motion
informed the prosecution that Miller sought to challenge the validity of the instrument check
solution due to its age and whether there was proper refrigeration of the instrument check
solution. Despite this notice, no evidence was presented at the hearing regarding these
issues. Trooper Olsen did not discuss the age of the instrument check solution, its
expiration date, or the state's maintenance of that solution while it was not in use, nor was
he questioned about these issues by the prosecutor. Moreover, although State's Exhibit 2
offers some information regarding the instrument check solution, nothing on the form
indicates the solution met the OAC requirements referenced here. That is, although State's
Exhibit 2 indicates the solution was certified by the ODH shortly before Miller's test, it does
not indicate whether the solution was properly refrigerated thereafter, nor does it state the
solution's date of first use or its expiration date.
{¶37} As this court has previously noted, the burden on the state to show substantial
compliance with these requirements is minimal. State v. Johnson, 137 Ohio App. 3d 847,
854 (12th Dist.2000), citing State v. Snider, 1997 Ohio App. LEXIS 1799, *2 (May 5, 1997).
Basic testimony that the solution was maintained according to ODH regulations may have
been sufficient. Id. However, where the record contains no evidence whatsoever that the
solution was maintained according to the ODH regulations, we cannot say that the
prosecution met its burden. Id.
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{¶38} Similarly, the state was also specifically put on notice by Miller's motion that
he intended to challenge whether the results of instrument checks, calibration checks, and
records of maintenance and repairs had been retained for at least three years. Again,
establishing substantial compliance with this requirement was possible with minimal effort
on the part of the prosecution. That is, even basic testimony regarding the retention of
records in compliance with OAC 3701-53-04(G) would have been sufficient. See Embry,
2004-Ohio-6324, at ¶ 32 (finding the defendant's general allegations of noncompliance with
OAC 3701-53-04(G) were sufficiently addressed by the officer's testimony that he follows
the ODH regulations, maintains a logbook, and keeps records over the required time
periods). Despite this minimal burden, no evidence was produced, either by testimony or
documentation, which addressed this OAC requirement either in specific or general terms.
As a result, because the state produced no evidence that records were kept in compliance
with OAC 3701-53-04(G), we find the state failed to meet its burden in establishing
substantial compliance with that regulation.
{¶39} In light of the above, we find that the prosecution did not meet its burden to
establish substantial compliance with the requirement that the solution be maintained
according to the ODH regulations and used within a designated period of time, and that the
relevant records were retained in compliance with the OAC. Because these issues were
raised in the motion to suppress, the prosecution was required to produce some evidence
to show substantial compliance with these requirements. Due to the extremely limited
testimony from Trooper Olsen regarding the issues set forth in Miller's motion, and the
complete lack of information regarding the record retention policy, we find the evidence
presented was insufficient in this case. As such, because the prosecution failed to meet its
burden to demonstrate substantial compliance, the trial court should have suppressed the
breathalyzer test results.
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{¶40} Accordingly, Miller's second assignment of error is sustained.
{¶41} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶42} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S MOTION TO
SUPPRESS BASED UPON PROBABLE CAUSE TO ARREST.
{¶43} In his remaining assignment of error, Miller argues the trial court erred in
denying his motion to suppress because Officer Watkins did not have probable cause to
arrest. Miller claims there was no probable cause to suggest he was impaired at the time
of the violation.
{¶44} "In order to arrest a person without a warrant an officer must have probable
cause." State v. Aslinger, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2011-11-014, 2012-Ohio-5436, ¶ 13,
citing Beck v. Ohio, 379 U.S. 89, 91, 85 S.Ct. 223 (1964). Probable cause to arrest for OVI
exists when, at the moment of arrest, the arresting officer had sufficient information, derived
from a reasonably trustworthy source of facts and circumstances, to cause a prudent person
to believe the accused was driving under the influence of alcohol. State v. Way, 12th Dist.
Butler No. CA2008-04-098, 2009-Ohio-96, ¶ 30. This determination is based on the totality
of the surrounding circumstances. Id. Notably, if the offense in question is driving under
the influence of alcohol, the officer does not have to actually observe the defendant driving
in order to possess probable cause to believe that the suspect was operating a motor
vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. State v. Johnson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA98-
07-080, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 6138, *5 (Dec. 21, 1998).
{¶45} At the suppression hearing, Officer Watkins testified he had seven years of
law enforcement experience and had made multiple traffic stops for possible impairment.
Since joining Hamilton Township Police Department, the officer indicated he had cited
between 10 and 12 individuals for OVI. Officer Watkins further testified that while
investigating the circumstances of Miller's accident, the officer noticed a strong odor of
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alcohol on Millers breath, slurred speech, and that he was somewhat off-balance. When
Officer Watkins asked Miller if he had been drinking Miller admitted to the officer that he
had two beers, one while driving to the bar and one at the bar.
{¶46} During the walk-and-turn test, Officer Watkins noticed several signs of
impairment, including Miller walking off the line and losing his balance. Miller also had
trouble standing in the starting position and balancing himself. Miller ultimately elected not
to complete the test. According to Officer Watkins, officers take an individual's inability to
complete a field sobriety test into consideration when determining whether that person is
impaired.
{¶47} Officer Watkins also noticed signs of impairment during Miller's participation
in the one-leg stand test. Specifically, Officer Watkins testified Miller lost his balance after
eight seconds and had to "catch himself" on the hood of the officer's cruiser.
{¶48} On appeal, Miller first argues the facts surrounding Miller's arrest did not
amount to probable cause because the state failed to prove that any level of impairment the
officer observed could be linked to the time Miller operated his vehicle. However, as we
noted in our discussion of Miller's first assignment of error, we find there is credible evidence
in the record to establish the accident occurred shortly before Officer Watkins' arrival at the
scene. As a result, we are unpersuaded that the officer's observations of Miller are not
linked to Miller's impairment while driving his vehicle shortly before the officer's arrival.
{¶49} We also reject Miller's argument that the field sobriety tests were unreliable
and therefore, cannot form the basis of probable cause. As an initial note, the record
reflects Miller performed three field sobriety tests, however, the trial court found it was
unclear whether Officer Watkins "correctly conducted the HGN tests," and suppressed any
mention of the HGN test and Officer Watkins' observations during the HGN test as a result.
The trial court found the remaining two tests, the walk-and-turn and one-leg-stand tests,
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were conducted properly. Miller does not challenge this finding on appeal. Instead, Miller
argues the remaining tests could not establish probable cause because Officer Watkins
could not testify to any of the standardized clues and did not know how many clues were
required to establish Miller was impaired and effectuate his arrest. However, simply
because the officer could not recall all of the available clues off the top of his head is not
fatal to the determination of probable cause. See State v. Keene, 7th Dist. Mahoning No.
08 MA 95, 2009-Ohio-1201, ¶ 32. Furthermore, the record reflects the officer followed a
checklist while administering the field sobriety tests and that the officer testified to the clues
of impairment he observed during those tests. As a result, we conclude it is inconsequential
to the determination of probable cause that the officer could not recite, verbatim, each clue
for the respective tests.
{¶50} Notwithstanding the above, "[t]he totality of facts and circumstances can
support a finding of probable cause to arrest for DUI even in the absence or exclusion of
field sobriety tests." State v. Crotty, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2004-05-051, 2005-Ohio2923, ¶ 14; see, e.g., State v. Minton, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2017-08-132, 2018-Ohio2142, ¶ 14-15 (probable cause to arrest existed where officer detected odor of alcoholic
beverage coming from inside the vehicle, appellant admitted to consuming alcohol, refused
to submit to field sobriety testing, and exhibited bloodshot and glassy eyes, sluggish and
slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet); City of Wilmington v. Taylor, 12th Dist.
Clinton No. CA2009-11-018, 2010-Ohio-3255, ¶ 20 (probable cause to arrest existed where
officer detected moderate to strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from inside the
vehicle and on person, appellant had bloodshot and glassy eyes, slow and pertinent
speech, and refused to submit to field sobriety testing). Therefore, even if we were to
exclude the officer's observations during the two properly conducted field sobriety tests, we
find the totality of the circumstances, including Miller's involvement in a single-car accident,
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Miller's admission to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening, the officer's observations of a
strong odor of alcohol on Miller's breath, Miller's slurred speech and delayed responses,
and that Miller was somewhat off balance provided probable cause for the arrest for
operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
{¶51} Accordingly, Miller's third assignment of error regarding the existence of
probable cause is without merit and is therefore, overruled.
Outcome: Due to our decision to sustain Miller's second assignment of error, we reverse
the trial court's denial of Miller's motion to suppress with regard to the chemical test results and vacate Miller's no contest pleas. This matter should be returned to the trial court's docket at the point where the trial court erroneously denied Miller's motion to suppress.
Thereafter, Miller must be left in the position of assessing his decision to plead or go to trial based on the ruling that is made on what type of evidence will be admitted against him.
Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for proceedings
consistent with this Opinion.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: