Opinion ID: 883333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Charles was stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence on December 20, 1992, in Billings, Montana. He was taken to the Yellowstone County Detention Facility and was asked to perform the standard field sobriety tests while being filmed on videotape. Charles had considerable difficulty performing the field sobriety tests. Following these tests, the officer read and explained the implied consent law advisory form to him. During the reading of the implied consent form, Charles repeatedly asked to speak to an attorney. The police officer informed him that when he (the officer) finished reading the implied consent form and Charles' Miranda rights, the appellant could call for an attorney. At the conclusion of the reading of the informed consent form, the officer asked Charles if he wanted to submit to a test of his blood alcohol content (BAC test). Charles replied, Not at this moment. The officer then read Charles his Miranda rights. Following the reading, he gave Charles a telephone and a telephone book and allowed him to call an attorney. The officer noted Charles' request for an attorney as a refusal to submit to a breath test with the result that his driver's license and driving privileges were suspended for 90 days, pursuant to § 61-8-402(5), MCA. Charles petitioned the Thirteenth Judicial District Court, pursuant to § 61-8-403, MCA, for a review of the decision to suspend his driver's license and driving privileges for 90 days. The court heard Charles' testimony, viewed the videotape of the field sobriety tests, the reading and explanation of the implied consent form and the reading of the Miranda rights. Counsel were also allowed to file briefs. The District Court found that Charles had refused to submit to a BAC test even though he knew that his license would be seized upon a refusal to submit to the test. The District Court concluded that Charles' driver's license had been properly suspended.