Court Opinion

ID: 9745603
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 23:12:11.30736+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:25:02.884894
License: Public Domain

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE STAMOS dissenting: The record reflects ample foundation for the opinion of the arresting officer that defendant was driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Odor of alcohol, flushed face, bloodshot eyes, disheveled appearance, uncertain gait, lack of balance, slurred speech and eccentric behavior — these are all classic symptoms of intoxication which the arresting officer observed in defendant’s appearance. There was evidence of traffic violations by defendant, also foundation for the police officer’s opinion. Defendant admitted consuming three beers. His further testimony, and that of his corroborating witnesses, merely raised an issue of credibility to be resolved by the trier of fact. I find People v. Greenberg, 79 Ill.App.2d 288, 224 N.E.2d 577, persuasive. There, the State’s case consisted of the testimony of a single police officer who described the defendant’s appearance as follows: strong odor of alcohol, pale face, mussed clothing, bloodshot eyes, unsure balance, weaving walk, slurred speech, and erratic behavior. There was also evidence of a speeding violation. The defendant testified on his own behalf and admitted the consumption of one beer, but denied that he had been intoxicated. He was corroborated by his brother-in-law and a physician, the latter testifying that defendant had previously exhibited symptoms of a cerebral concussion, which could be confused by a layman with symptoms of intoxication. The court affirmed, holding that there was sufficient evidence to support a finding of guilty and that "the trial judge was in the best position to judge the credibility of the witnesses.” The Greenberg case is distinguishable only to the extent that the testifying officer there had considerable experience in arresting intoxicated motorists. However, the element of experience or inexperience does not enhance or diminish the sufficiency of the evidence adduced, but bears solely on the issue of witness credibility. In the case at bar, the trial court was fully apprised of the relative inexperience of the testifying officer, but found him credible nonetheless. Where the guilt or innocence of the defendant depends upon the credibility of conflicting testimony, the finding of the trial court will not be disturbed. (People v. Cool, 26 Ill.2d 255, 258, 186 N.E.2d 254.) We should adhere to that well-established rule in this case.