Court Opinion

ID: 9625889
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 07:54:14.608105+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:06:16.614538
License: Public Domain

Brown, J.
(dissenting) — I respectfully dissent. The certified written reports of Troopers Robert Bohling and J.F. Love are declarations permitted under RCW 46.20.308(8). As such they are prima facie evidence that reasonable grounds existed to believe Howard Roy Lytle was driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, the officers complied with RCW 46.20.308, and that Mr. Lytle failed to submit to the required testing procedures. Mr. Lytle does not dispute he refused to sign or give a breath test. Indeed, Mr. Lytle offered no evidence whatsoever before the hearing officer. Mr. Lytle made no offer of proof as to the missing officers’ expected testimony and did not request a continuance or seek aid in compelling witness attendance. Through counsel, he merely requested a dismissal. This is insufficient to overcome the Department of Licensing’s case.
The practical effect of creating a prima facie presumption is to satisfy the Department’s initial burden, thus shifting the burden to persons like Mr. Lytle to come forward with evidence to refute the prima facie evidence. Because Mr. Lytle offered no evidence, the hearing officer properly went forward to decide the case on the evidence presented. Although the statutory process may seem unfair to Mr. Lytle, the majority does not find it unconstitutional. As to due process, Mr. Lytle failed to examine Trooper Bohling on the initial date for hearing, did not request a continuance to permit the attendance of witnesses on the second *364hearing date, and did not seek to compel attendance of witnesses by obtaining the aid of the court. On the other hand, Mr. Lytle received notice of hearing and had the opportunity to be heard. These are the core requisites of fairness. Mr. Lytle points to no prejudice from further delaying and does not suggest the Department played any role in the officers’ absences.
Accordingly, I agree with the superior court and would affirm the Department’s revocation of Mr. Lytle’s driver’s license.