X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Lisa Ann Yeary was found guilty in a bench trial of driving with an alcohol concentration in excess of 0.08 grams in violation of OCGA § 40-6-391 a 5. Yeary’s conviction was based in part on evidence that she consented to a state-administered chemical breath test on an Intoxilyzer 5000 machine which showed that she had an unlawful alcohol concentration of 0.179 grams. Yeary claims her conviction should be reversed because the trial court erroneously denied her pre-trial motion seeking a ruling that the “source code” used to program the software in the Intoxilyzer 5000 machine on which she was tested was evidence relevant to her defense. For the following reasons, we find no error and affirm. 1. The stipulated evidence at the bench trial showed the following: A police officer made a lawful traffic stop of the automobile Yeary was driving and detected the odor of alcohol on Yeary’s breath. Yeary failed to successfully complete field sobriety tests and registered positive for alcohol on a preliminary breath-screening device. The officer arrested Yeary for driving under the influence, read her implied consent rights, and obtained her consent to take a State-administered chemical test of her breath to determine her alcohol concentration. The breath test was administered on an Intoxilyzer 5000 machine approved for this purpose by the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and operated by an officer certified by the Division to operate the machine. To carry its burden to show that the machine was operated with all its electronic and operating components attached and in good working order, the State produced certificates of inspections conducted on the machine before and after the test, and the testimony of the operator that the machine was operating properly when the test was conducted. Young v. State , 275 Ga. 309, 310 565 SE2d 814 2002; OCGA § 40-6-392 a 1 A, f. The machine produced test results showing that Yeary had an alcohol concentration of 0.179 grams. The evidence was sufficient for the trial court to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Yeary was guilty of driving her automobile with an unlawful alcohol concentration in violation of OCGA § 40-6-391 a 5. Jackson v. Virginia , 443 U. S. 307 99 SC 2781, 61 LE2d 560 1979.

2. Prior to trial, Yeary filed a motion which sought a ruling from the trial court that the source code for the Intoxilyzer 5000 machine on which her breath was tested was evidence relevant to her defense. The written motion initially alleged that the source code was in possession of the state of Georgia and sought to compel production of the source code for inspection. Yeary subsequently amended the motion by alleging that the source code was possessed by CMI, Inc. the corporation which manufactured the machine located in the state of Kentucky. At the hearing on the motion, Yeary sought a ruling that the source code was relevant solely as a basis to facilitate court-ordered production of a digital version of the source code possessed by CMI in Kentucky. She sought production of the source code to examine it prior to trial for possible defects which she contends might have affected the accuracy of her breath test.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY Pulsar Title Insurance Company Inc., a commercial and residential title insurance underwriter based in the Bato...


Apply Now ›

RECRUITMENT BONUS Newly hired employees from this recruitment may be eligible to receive bonus payments up to $3,000!* FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE: ...


Apply Now ›

Morristown, NJ; New York, NY Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in multiple offices for a Counsel in our Litigation Department. The ...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›