Opinion ID: 1628307
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Credibility Determination

Text: As an initial matter, the trial court did not reject the totality of Officer Himel's testimony relative to the traffic stop, warrantless search of the defendant's vehicle, and seizure of the firearm. Instead, the court's remarks at the conclusion of the hearing reflect the court's concern regarding Officer Himel's credibility stemmed solely from the discrepancy in his direct examination testimony as to how he could observe furtive movements in the vehicle, but could not see the silhouette of the driver. The trial court simply disregarded Officer Himel's explanation for the discrepancy and determined his testimony as a whole lacked credibility. However, the trial court's remarks at the conclusion of the hearing reflect the court's erroneous assumption that all of the windows in the defendant's vehicle were tinted similarly and that the tint was so dark as to prevent the arresting officer from seeking into the vehicle. The hearing transcript indicates the officer clarified on cross examination that he made the observation through the rear window of the vehicle, which he characterized as having a lighter tint than the front and side windows. [4] This lighter tint, when subjected to the headlights of the officer's vehicle as it followed behind the defendant, allowed the officer to see the defendant's vehicle at the time of the stop. In light of the manner in which questions were posed to him during his examination, Officer Himel provided an internally consistent and objectively reasonable accounting of the circumstances regarding the traffic stop. His statements were not challenged by any other testimony or documentary evidence. Therefore, it appears that the trial court's credibility determination was based on a factual conclusion that is not supported by the record. Moreover, the trial court's credibility determination was based on a factual determination that ultimately proves to be irrelevant to the fundamental issue presented in this case: whether the officer lawfully arrested the defendant and lawfully seized the stolen weapon from the vehicle. The trial court rejected as incredible the officer's testimony that he could observe the defendant's movements through the rear window of the car. However, the stop and ensuing arrest were permissible even absent an observation of such allegedly furtive movements.