Court Opinion

ID: 9760769
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 01:13:41.901118+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:29:17.058428
License: Public Domain

STEPHENS, Chief Justice,
dissenting.
I find KRS 189A.010(1) to be an unmistakable example of “unbridled government decision making.” In passing this statute, the legislature is overstepping its authority, violating every citizen of this Commonwealth’s right to privacy and his or her right to do as they please with their own property.
The majority contends that these constitutional rights are not being violated because the public’s interest must also be considered in this circumstance, as the purpose of the statute is to protect the public. I agree that the public does have an interest in protection from the actions of intoxicated drivers. However, I must then ask, since the Constitution is intended to protect the rights of the individual, which interest is given more weight? To hold that the public’s interest in this case dominates, unfortunately, delegitim-izes the importance of an individual’s rights to his privacy. These interests can best be balanced through an appropriately drafted statute that adequately and effectively protects the interests of both and does not violate constitutional rights.
This statute when interpreted to mean that citizens may be arrested for driving while intoxicated when on their own property, does in fact, restrict an individual’s freedom. I find it hard to accept that the public has an interest in what occurs on an individual’s private property, rising to such a magnitude as to overcome the Constitutional right of privacy of that individual. The danger that is being posed to the public, and the interest which must be protected, may adequately be protected by passing a statute that enables arrests when on a public roadway. An intoxicated driver becomes a threat to the public when he enters a public roadway, and at that particular time he may be arrested.
The result of declaring KRS 189A.010(1) constitutional will only serve to further the progressive intrusion by law enforcement officials into the privacy of citizens. Under the holding of this case, there is nothing to stop the next fact situation from occurring, which will be a scenario where no call has been made to the police to invite them onto private property. Now, a policeman will be allowed to drive past private property and enter it without probable cause and effectuate an arrest. This appears to me to be a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
As a result of the foregoing, I respectfully dissent.
STUMBO, J., joins this dissenting opinion.