Court Opinion

ID: 8210817
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-09-30 16:10:30.89466+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:41:56.844518
License: Public Domain

J-A21029-22

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA               :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                               :        PENNSYLVANIA
                                               :
                                               :
                v.                             :
                                               :
                                               :
    DARROW ROBINSON                            :
                                               :   No. 1705 EDA 2021
                       Appellant

          Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered July 26, 2021
              In the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County
                  Criminal Division at CP-23-CR-0002718-2020

BEFORE: LAZARUS, J., MURRAY, J., and McCAFFERY, J.

MEMORANDUM BY MURRAY, J.:                          FILED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

        Darrow Robinson (Appellant) appeals from the judgment of sentence

imposed after the trial court convicted him of driving under the influence (DUI)

(general impairment) and DUI (combination alcohol/drugs).1 We affirm.

        Police Officer Thomas Takacs was the sole witness at Appellant’s non-

jury trial. The trial court accurately summarized his testimony:

              Officer Thomas Takacs (hereinafter Officer Takacs) is
        employed as a patrolman with the Darby Borough Police
        Department and has been so employed for the past four (4) years.
        [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 8]. At approximately 11:18 p.m., on the
        evening of January 22, 2020, Officer Takacs was in full uniform,
        operating an unmarked patrol vehicle, and was on routine patrol
        in the area of the 100 block of McDade Boulevard in Darby
        Borough, Delaware County, when he had occasion to drive by
        Fibber’s Beer Distributor located at 198 McDade Boulevard. The
        store was closed at the time. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 8, 25]. Officer
____________________________________________

1   75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(a)(1), (d)(3).
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     Takacs observed a vehicle in the parking lot of the establishment,
     parked with the engine running and headlights illuminated. [N.T.,
     6/9/2021 p. 9].

            Officer Takacs pulled into the parking lot and exited his
     vehicle in order to investigate why the vehicle was parked in the
     lot of a private, closed establishment. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 12].
     Officer Takacs initially approached the parked car on its passenger
     side. He observed the driver of the vehicle, later identified as
     Appellant, hunched over towards the center console. [N.T.,
     6/9/2021 p. 13]. Appellant had his cellular phone out and
     appeared to be watching a basketball game. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p.
     13]. From his vantage point, Officer Takacs clearly observed a
     sixteen-ounce (16oz) Natural Light beer can sitting in the
     cupholder, as well as burnt marijuana roaches in the ash tray, and
     a metal marijuana grinder sitting in the storage area in front of
     the gear shift. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13-16]. Appellant appeared to
     be completely unaware of Officer Takacs’ presence outside of his
     vehicle. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13].

            Appellant eventually looked up and noticed Officer Takacs’
     presence and attempted to exit the driver’s side of the vehicle.
     [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13]. Officer Takacs asked Appellant to remain
     inside the vehicle; he complied. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13]. Officer
     Takacs walked around the vehicle to the driver’s side in order to
     engage Appellant in conversation.        [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13].
     Appellant attempted to get out of the car a second time and, as
     he was attempting to do so, Officer Takacs observed marijuana
     crumbs falling off of Appellant’s lap. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 13].
     Officer Takacs again told Appellant to remain inside of the vehicle;
     Appellant complied and sat back down with the door open. Officer
     Takacs could smell a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from
     inside of the vehicle. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 14]. Based upon his
     training and experience, it was immediately apparent to Officer
     Takacs that the crumbs and the smell were in fact, marijuana.
     [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 14]. Appellant told Officer Takacs that he was
     driving for Uber Eats and decided to stop and watch the basketball
     game on his phone.

           In addition to the smell of burnt marijuana coming from
     inside of the vehicle, Officer Takacs detected an odor of alcohol
     emanating from Appellant’s breath and Appellant presented with
     red, glassy, bloodshot eyes and spoke with slurred speech; all
     signs to Officer Takacs that Appellant was under the influence of
     alcohol and marijuana. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 15].

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              Officer Takacs asked Appellant to submit to field sobriety
       tests, but he refused. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 17]. Appellant was
       asked to step out of the vehicle and was read the DL-26 form by
       Officer Linville, who had arrived on scene. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 18].
       Appellant was placed into the back of the patrol vehicle and
       transported to police headquarters. His vehicle was inventoried
       and ultimately towed pursuant to an informal department policy.
       [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 19].        The inventory search yielded one
       sandwich bag containing a small amount of marijuana and a digital
       scale located inside of the closed center console. [N.T., 6/9/2021
       p. 20].

             Officer Takacs testified that he has come in contact with
       upwards of one hundred (100) individuals who were under the
       influence of alcohol and/or marijuana. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 21].
       During his career, Officer Takacs testified that he has made
       approximately twenty-five (25) arrests for driving under the
       influence. [N.T., 6/9/2021 p. 22].

            Based upon his training and experience, Officer Takacs
       opined that Appellant was intoxicated from alcohol and marijuana
       and was not capable of safely operating a motor vehicle. [N.T.,
       6/9/2021 p. 22].

Trial Court Opinion, 2/9/22, at 2-4 (footnote omitted).

       The trial court found Officer Takacs credible, and convicted Appellant of

DUI (general impairment), and DUI (combination drugs/alcohol). See N.T.,

6/9/21, at 67-68. On July 26, 2021, the trial court sentenced Appellant to the

mandatory minimum 72 hours — six months in jail.2 Appellant filed a timely

post-sentence motion challenging the sufficiency and weight of the evidence.

The trial court denied the motion on August 24, 2021. Appellant filed a notice

of appeal the following day. On October 29, 2021, the Superior Court granted

____________________________________________

2 The parties agreed Appellant’s conviction for DUI (general impairment)
merged with DUI (combination drugs/alcohol). See Trial Court Opinion,
2/9/22, at 5.

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trial counsel permission to withdraw. Pursuant to that order, the trial court

appointed new counsel to represent Appellant on appeal. In his court-ordered

Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) statement, Appellant raised sufficiency and weight issues.

      Appellant presents the following questions:

      1. Was the Commonwealth’s evidence sufficient to prove
         [A]ppellant was under the influence of alcohol and incapable of
         safely operating a car where there was no accident or motor
         vehicle code violation, no field sobriety or breath tests, and
         [A]ppellant was in complete control of himself sitting in a
         parked car in an empty parking lot watching a game on his
         cellphone?

      2. Was the Commonwealth’s evidence sufficient to prove
         [A]ppellant was operating a car while under the combined
         influence of alcohol and drugs to a degree which impaired his
         ability to safely operate the car where there was no accident or
         motor vehicle code violation, no field sobriety or breath tests,
         and [A]ppellant was in complete control of himself sitting in a
         parked car in an empty parking lot watching a game on his
         cellphone?

      3. Did the trial court abuse its discretion by denying [Appellant’s]
         motion for a new trial where [A]ppellant claimed [the]
         convictions were against the weight of the evidence because
         the only evidence pointing to his inability to safely operate a
         car was incredible testimony by the arresting officer that was
         not included in his incident report and affidavit of probable
         cause?

Appellant’s Brief at 5.

      In his first and second issues, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the

evidence sustaining his DUI convictions under 75 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3802(a)(1) and

(d)(3). We address the two issues together, as Appellant states his “argument

[for both issues] is essentially the same[.]” Appellant’s Brief at 18.

      Our standard of review is well-settled:

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      The standard we apply ... is whether viewing all the evidence
      admitted at trial in the light most favorable to the verdict winner,
      there is sufficient evidence to enable the fact-finder to find every
      element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In applying the
      above test, we may not weigh the evidence and substitute our
      judgment for the fact-finder. In addition, we note that the facts
      and circumstances established by the Commonwealth need not
      preclude every possibility of innocence. Any doubts regarding a
      defendant’s guilt may be resolved by the fact-finder unless the
      evidence is so weak and inconclusive that as a matter of law no
      probability of fact may be drawn from the combined
      circumstances. The Commonwealth may sustain its burden of
      proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt by
      means of wholly circumstantial evidence. Moreover, in applying
      the above test, the entire record must be evaluated, and all
      evidence actually received must be considered. Finally, the trier
      of fact while passing upon the credibility of witnesses and
      the weight of the evidence produced, is free to believe all, part or
      none of the evidence.

Commonwealth v. Edwards, 229 A.3d 298, 305–306 (Pa. Super. 2020)

(brackets and citation omitted).

      Section 3802(a)(1) of the Motor Vehicle Code provides:

      (a) General impairment.

      (1) An individual may not drive, operate or be in actual physical
      control of the movement of a vehicle after imbibing
      a sufficient amount of alcohol such that the individual is rendered
      incapable of safely driving, operating or being in actual physical
      control of the movement of the vehicle.

75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(a)(1).

      Section 3802(d)(3) defines the crime of driving under the combined

influence of alcohol and drugs, stating:

      (d) Controlled substances. — An individual may not drive,
      operate, or be in actual physical control of the movement of a
      vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

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                                    ***

      (3) The individual is under the combined influence of alcohol and
      a drug or combination of drugs to a degree which impairs the
      individual’s ability to safely drive, operate, or be in actual
      physical control of the movement of the vehicle.

75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(d)(3). To sustain a conviction under section 3802(d)(3),

the Commonwealth must establish: (1) the defendant was impaired; (2) the

defendant was incapable of safely driving; and (3) the defendant’s impairment

was caused by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug or combination

of drugs.   See Commonwealth v. Graham, 81 A.3d 137, 146 n.6 (Pa.

Super. 2013).

      In examining a sufficiency claim under 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(d)(3), this

Court has recognized “75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802(d)(3) (driving under the combined

influence of alcohol and a drug or combination of drugs) [ ] use[s] the same

‘general language’ of impairment that is contained in 75 Pa.C.S.A. §

3802(a)(1) (general impairment of alcohol).” Graham, 81 A.3d at 145–46

(citation omitted). “Section 3802(d)(3) likewise does not limit, constrain, or

specify the type of evidence that the Commonwealth can proffer to prove its

case [that a defendant was driving under the combined influence of alcohol

and a drug].” Id. at 146.

      Further, a fact-finder may determine causation by circumstantial

evidence. See Commonwealth v. Olsen, 82 A.3d 1041, 1046 (Pa. Super.

2013) (citing Commonwealth v. Mobley, 14 A.3d 887, 889-90 (Pa. Super.

2011) (Commonwealth’s burden may be met by circumstantial evidence and

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any doubt is to be resolved by the fact-finder unless the evidence is so weak

and inconclusive that no probability of fact can be drawn from combined

circumstances)); 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1547(e) (“In any ... criminal proceeding in

which the defendant is charged with a violation of [75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802 (DUI)]

..., the fact that the defendant refused to submit to chemical testing as

required by [75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1547(a) (deeming drivers to have given consent

to chemical testing)] may be introduced along with other testimony

concerning the circumstances of the refusal. No presumptions shall arise from

this evidence, but it may be considered along with other factors concerning

the charge.”).

      As to both 3802(a)(1) and (d)(3), Appellant concedes he was operating

a motor vehicle. Appellant’s Brief at 11. However, he argues the “evidence

did not prove … he was under the influence of alcohol [or a combination of

alcohol and drugs] to such a degree as to render him incapable of safe

driving.” Id. Appellant emphasizes there “was no accident, motor vehicle

code violation, or any evidence of the car being driven unsafely.” Id. at 9;

see also id. at 12-18. Appellant states:

      There was circumstantial evidence that [Appellant] smoked
      marijuana and drank a single beer before his arrest while sitting
      in the parked car, but the only evidence that he was incapable of
      safe driving was the bald opinion of the arresting officer based on
      his incredible claim that [Appellant] had slurred speech and
      bloodshot eyes where those observations were not included in his
      initial incident report or the affidavit of probable cause.

Id.

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       The Commonwealth argues otherwise. The Commonwealth states that

viewed “in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, the evidence was

plainly sufficient to demonstrate” Appellant was under the influence and

incapable of safe driving.        Commonwealth Brief at 11.    We agree.     After

hearing the testimony, the trial court stated, “I find that Officer Takacs’

testimony was credible.” N.T., 6/9/21, at 67.3 The trial court reasoned:

       [T]he evidence was sufficient to conclude that, while operating the
       vehicle, Appellant was under the influence of alcohol and drugs to
       such a degree as to render him incapable of safely driving. As a
       police officer, Officer Takacs utilized both his experience and
       personal observations to render an opinion as to Appellant’s
       intoxication. Here, Appellant was found in the parking lot of a
       closed establishment; lights on and vehicle running; his lap
       covered in marijuana crumbs; sixteen-ounce open beer can in the
       center console; his car smelling of burnt marijuana with,
       conveniently, a marijuana grinder in plain view. Appellant spoke
       with slurred speech, and presented with glassy, bloodshot eyes.
       Appellant told Officer Takacs he had been driving and took a
       break. All reasonable inferences drawn from the above evidence,
       when viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as
       the verdict winner, were sufficient to enable the fact finder to
       conclude that the Commonwealth established all of the elements
       of both counts of driving under the influence beyond a reasonable
       doubt.

Trial Court Opinion, 2/9/22, at 8.

____________________________________________

3 The trial court additionally stated, “I think the testimony was [Appellant]
refused the DL-26 [Implied Consent Form]. I find that Officer Takacs’
testimony was credible. [Appellant’s] refus[al] … is taken into consideration.”
N.T., 6/9/21, at 67. This statement refutes Appellant’s claim that the trial
court “did not list [Appellant’s] refusal to take a blood alcohol test as a factor
in finding him guilty.” Appellant’s Brief at 13.

                                           -8-
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      Upon review of the record and aforementioned legal authority, we agree

the evidence at Appellant’s non-jury trial was sufficient for the trial court to

convict Appellant of DUI under 3802(a)(1) and (d)(3).

      In his third issue, Appellant assails the weight of the evidence.      We

recognize:

      Appellate review of a weight claim is a review of the exercise of
      discretion, not of the underlying question of whether the verdict
      is against the weight of the evidence. Because the trial judge has
      had the opportunity to hear and see the evidence presented, an
      appellate court will give the gravest consideration to the findings
      and reasons advanced by the trial judge when reviewing a trial
      court’s determination that the verdict is against the weight of the
      evidence. One of the least assailable reasons for granting or
      denying a new trial is the lower court’s conviction that the verdict
      was or was not against the weight of the evidence and that a new
      trial should be granted in the interest of justice.

      The finder of fact while passing upon the credibility of witnesses
      and the weight of the evidence produced, is free to believe all,
      part or none of the evidence.

Commonwealth v. Bright, 234 A.3d 744, 749 (Pa. Super. 2020) (citations

omitted).

      Appellant asserts the trial court convicted him “on the basis of an empty

beer can in the car, [and] the smell of marijuana and alcohol on his breath,

where there was no accident or improper driving and [Appellant] was in

complete control of himself[.]” Appellant’s Brief at 23. Appellant claims he

“gave a reasonable explanation for what he was doing[.]” Id. He also assails

the trial court’s determination that Officer Takacs was credible. He argues:

      Under the circumstances of this case, it is incredible that Officer
      Takacs would have noticed bloodshot eyes and slurred speech and

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      not have included these facts in his [incident] report. It is also
      incredible he would remember these things nine months after the
      incident, but not the day following.

Id. at 22.

      In response, the Commonwealth emphasizes “the trial judge was the

factfinder   and   determined    the     officer’s   testimony   was   credible.”

Commonwealth Brief at 17. The Commonwealth asserts the “same evidence

that provided sufficient evidence to sustain the convictions also convinced the

court that the verdict was not against the weight of the evidence.” Id. Again,

we agree. The trial court confirmed:

      This [c]ourt, with its ability to see and hear the evidence
      presented, afforded great weight to Officer Takacs’ testimony
      because he was a credible witness. Appellant takes issue with the
      minor discrepancies between Officer Takacs’ testimony and his
      affidavit of probable cause; however, even if Officer Takacs failed
      to include certain details in his affidavit, the grant of a new trial
      must have a stronger foundation than simply the reassessment of
      the credibility of witnesses. In order to reverse a verdict, it must
      be so contrary to the evidence as to shock one’s sense of justice.
      It is hardly shocking that Appellant’s behavior of consuming
      alcohol and smoking marijuana in his running vehicle, while
      “taking a break” from driving, would have resulted in convictions
      for driving under the influence.

Trial Court Opinion, 2/9/22, at 9.

      Consistent with our standard of review, we discern no abuse of

discretion. The trial court was free to credit the testimony of Officer Takacs,

and we may not disturb the trial court’s credibility determination. Accordingly,

Appellant’s weight claim does not merit relief.

      Judgment of sentence affirmed.

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Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 9/30/2022

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