Case ID: so2d_609/html/0856-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "GAUDIN, Judge.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

STATE of Louisiana v. Roderick J. BATISTE.
    Nos. 92-KA-503, 92-KA-553.
    Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Fifth Circuit.
    Nov. 12, 1992.
    Richard M. Millet, Laplace, for defendant-appellant.
    John M. Crum, Jr., Dist. Atty., Carol Runnels Welch, Asst. Dist. Atty., Edgard, for plaintiff-appellee.
    Before BOWES, GAUDIN and DUFRESNE, JJ.
   GAUDIN, Judge.

Roderick J. Batiste was charged with driving while intoxicated, LSA-R.S. 14:98, and with operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, LSA-R.S. 32:52. Following a bench trial in the 40th Judicial District Court, Batiste was convicted of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.

On appeal, Batiste does not contest the conviction for driving without a license. He does, however, challenge his conviction for reckless operation of a motor vehicle, contending that ROMV is not a lesser included crime under R.S. 14:98 and is neither related to nor responsive to DWI. Further, Batiste points out that he was not charged with reckless operation, LSA-R.S. 14:99.

We agree with Batiste’s contentions and reverse his ROMV conviction. See State v. Redfearn, 504 So.2d 1005 (La.App. 1 Cir.1987), in which the court presented clear and persuasive reasons why ROMV is not a lesser and included grade of driving while intoxicated. We are unaware of any jurisprudence or statute to the contrary.

REVERSED.