Opinion ID: 1976870
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidentiary Support for the Department's Decision.

Text: Our review of the agency decision on the merits is governed by the substantial evidence rule of Iowa Code section 17A.19(8)(f). Each party contends that substantial evidence in the record supports its position on the ultimate question whether the arresting officer followed the procedures required by chapter 321B in invoking implied consent. The precise question we must answer, however, is not whether there was substantial evidentiary support for a decision the agency did not make, but whether substantial evidence in the record as a whole supports the agency's findings of fact and the decision it did make. McCrea v. Iowa Department of Transportation, 336 N.W.2d at 429; Peoples Memorial Hospital v. Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 322 N.W.2d 87, 91-92 (Iowa 1982). In this license revocation proceeding, Heidemann had the burden of proof; he was required to show compliance with all lawful requirements for the retention of his license. Iowa Code § 17A.18 (1983); see McCrea, 336 N.W.2d at 428-29. The hearing officer found against him on that issue, holding that the arresting officer had properly complied with implied consent procedures and that Heidemann had nevertheless refused chemical testing. With the fact-finder, the agency, denying relief because Heidemann had not met his burden of proof, this court on review may not interfere unless we conclude Heidemann met his burden as a matter of law. Pohlman v. Ertl Co., 374 N.W.2d 253, 255 (Iowa 1985); Anthony v. State, 374 N.W.2d 662, 664 (Iowa 1985). Heidemann did not establish as a matter of law that the arresting officer failed to comply with applicable statutory implied consent procedures. The evidence shows that the arresting officer requested in writing that Heidemann give a urine sample, and Heidemann both orally refused and also signed the form acknowledging his refusal. On this record, there is clearly no merit to Heidemann's contention that he complied with section 321B by offering to give the officer a urine sample. Heidemann cites two Iowa cases, State v. Richards, 229 N.W.2d 229 (Iowa 1975) and State v. Jensen, 216 N.W.2d 369 (Iowa 1974), to support his legal theory that the officer was required to make a written request for blood before requesting another body specimen. Those cases, however, construed and applied a statutory procedure which was subsequently changed by amendment of Iowa Code chapter 321B, as explained in State v. Janssen, 247 N.W.2d 260, 261-61 (Iowa 1976). Heidemann's final complaint is that the hearing officer received and considered evidence which had been obtained in violation of his Miranda rights. That contention overlooks our several decisions holding that Miranda warnings are not applicable to implied consent revocation proceedings. State v. Stroud, 314 N.W.2d 437, 438 (Iowa 1982); Swenumson v. Iowa Department of Public Safety, 210 N.W.2d 660, 663 (Iowa 1973). We conclude that there is merit in the department's appeal but no merit in the grounds on which Heidemann based his cross-appeal. The district court erred in overturning the agency's decision which upheld revocation of Heidemann's license to operate a motor vehicle. The judicial review decision of the district court is reversed, but its rulings challenged by Heidemann's cross-appeal are affirmed. REVERSED ON DEPARTMENT'S APPEAL; AFFIRMED ON PETITIONER'S CROSS-APPEAL.