Opinion ID: 2093900
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Reckless and Careless Driving

Text: Brown contends that the jury instructions were improper because the instructions as given utilized the statutory language defining reckless and careless driving without any further definition. See Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 60-6,212 and 60-6,213 (Reissue 1998). Brown proposed instructions that defined reckless in a manner used in the civil law. In particular, Brown relies on the definition of reckless found in Dotzler v. Tuttle, 234 Neb. 176, 449 N.W.2d 774 (1990), a case involving personal injuries arising out of participation in an athletic event. In his brief, Brown further contends that the trial court should have sua sponte instructed the jury utilizing the definition of recklessly found in Neb.Rev.Stat. § 28-109(19) (Reissue 1995). Brown did not request an instruction based on § 28-109(19). Brown also did not request a definition of careless driving. Although Brown cites to civil cases for a definition of reckless, the criminal statutes in §§ 60-6,213 and 28-109(19) provide a definition applicable in the criminal context. Further, we have said that in giving instructions to the jury, it is proper for the court to describe the offense in the language of the statute. State v. Urbano, 256 Neb. 194, 589 N.W.2d 144 (1999). Thus, Brown was not entitled to a definition of reckless based on the definition found in civil cases. Brown did not request an instruction utilizing the definition found in § 28-109(19), nor did he request an instruction defining careless driving. A party who does not request a desired jury instruction cannot complain on appeal about incomplete instructions. State v. Larsen, 255 Neb. 532, 586 N.W.2d 641 (1998). Accordingly, we find no reversible error on this issue. Brown additionally contends that the instructions did not allow the jury to consider the lesser-included offense unless or until they unanimously agreed that he was not guilty of motor vehicle homicide by reckless driving. However, Brown cites to no legal authority for this proposition. Additionally, we have addressed an instruction with similar language and determined that such an instruction does not require jury unanimity before considering a lesser offense. State v. Jones, 245 Neb. 821, 515 N.W.2d 654 (1994), overruled on other grounds, State v. Burlison, 255 Neb. 190, 583 N.W.2d 31 (1998). Thus, there is no merit to Brown's argument on this issue.