Court Opinion

ID: 9726509
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 12:54:09.312736+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:27.858455
License: Public Domain

Mr. JUSTICE JOHNSON dissenting: I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion because I feel that the defendant was not proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The People called three witnesses, all police officers, who observed the defendant. There was no scientific evidence offered by the prosecution as is usually the case. The defendant testified in his own behalf denying that he was under the influence of alcohol. His testimony was corroborated by Alfred CiceUa and Ereen Bouzeanes. The witnesses for the State and the defense were equally creditable. The entire incident seemed to be precipitated by a clash of personahties in an emotionally charged situation. Defendant alleged that there was a derogatory reference to his name, “Pigg.” The situation was not improved by defendant’s reference to the officer’s lack of education and boast of his own training and income. I would reverse the judgment of the circuit court.