Opinion ID: 1801055
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Did trial court place burden of proving intoxication on defendant?

Text: Defendant argues the court erroneously placed upon him the burden of proof to negate, by a showing of intoxication, a specific intent element of the crime charged. Our decision in State v. Templeton, supra, 258 N.W.2d 380, had not been filed prior to § 690.4 hearing below. Although defendant made no objection below and there is a potential issue whether the asserted error was preserved, we do not deem it necessary to consider the retroactive application of Templeton, or application of State v. Wisniewski, 171 N.W.2d 882 (Iowa 1969). On this record we cannot determine trial court did place the burden of proving intoxication on defendant. Evidence of defendant's conduct immediately before and during the holdup plainly demonstrated a calculated intent to rob. His successful evasive tactics immediately afterwards to avoid capture and hide the weapon clearly indicated good mental and physical coordination. Reasonably interpreted, the court's ruling on the § 690.4 hearing incorporated its finding defendant's use of alcohol and possibly drugs may have impaired defendant's judgment, but not to the extent he could not form the specific intent to commit robbery. This finding was amply justified by the record without respect to burden of proof. We find no reversible error on this ground.