Opinion ID: 1592156
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: driving while under the influence

Text: It is unlawful for any person to operate or be in the actual physical control of any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic liquor. Neb.Rev.Stat. § 39-669.07(1) (Reissue 1988). `As used in § 39-669.07, the phrase under the influence of alcoholic liquor means after the ingestion of alcohol in an amount sufficient to impair to any appreciable degree the ability to operate a motor vehicle in a prudent and cautious manner.' [Citation omitted.] State v. Tanner, 233 Neb. 893, 895, 448 N.W.2d 586, 588 (1989). It is not necessary for a conviction for driving under the influence of alcoholic liquor that a sample of blood, breath, or urine show a certain concentration of alcohol in a defendant's blood, breath, or urine, as those are alternate offenses under § 39-669.07. See, State v. Tatara, 230 Neb. 279, 430 N.W.2d 692 (1988); State v. Babcock, 227 Neb. 649, 419 N.W.2d 527 (1988). Either a law enforcement officer's observations of a defendant's intoxicated behavior or the defendant's poor performance on field sobriety tests constitutes sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction of driving while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. [Citations omitted.] State v. Lichti, 219 Neb. 894, 897, 367 N.W.2d 138, 141 (1985). Thalken, a trained and experienced police officer, observed Green driving at an excessive rate of speed and squealing his tires. The officer testified that Green smelled of alcohol, swayed as he walked, had a flushed face, exhibited extremely belligerent conduct, and failed two field sobriety tests. He further testified that in his opinion, Green was under the influence of alcohol to the point that his driving skills were impaired. Green raises a number of points which go to the weight of the evidence. As we have said, this court does not reweigh the evidence. Those factual questions were for the jury, which resolved them adversely to Green. The evidence was sufficient for a jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Green was guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol.