Court Opinion

ID: 9604675
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 02:25:20.582552+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:04:25.041456
License: Public Domain

Dore, J.
(dissenting) — The majority correctly points out that the purpose of former RCW 46.61.506(5)
is to afford a DWI suspect the opportunity to obtain evidence with which to impeach the results of a single Breathalyzer test, if such evidence exists. The suspect also takes the risk that the second test will verify and substantiate the results of the first. The statute strikes an appropriate balance between the rights of the accused to gather evidence in his own defense and the need to avoid [placing] undue burdens upon the State.
(Italics mine.) Majority, at 35. Nevertheless, the majority proceeds to ignore this stated purpose of RCW 46.61.506(5), and instead relies on faulty analogies and readily distinguishable cases to reach an absurd and illogical result. I dissent.
Purpose of RCW 46.61.506(5)
The majority claims that to compel a police officer to perform a second Breathalyzer test is analogous to compelling a doctor, nurse or other qualified individual to perform a blood test at the suspect's request. This is ridiculous. Undoubtedly it would be an infringement on a doctor's or nurse's constitutional rights to be forced to test a suspect accused of drunk driving. I fail, however, to see any infringement on an on-duty police officer's rights by having *42the officer repeat a Breathalyzer test to ensure that the original test was accurate. In the ordinary course of a police officer's employment, he or she routinely performs numerous tasks for the benefit of private citizens, not the least of which is the protection of the rights of accused individuals.
Moreover, requiring a second test is in accordance with the purpose stated — and subsequently ignored — by the majority. An uncontradicted affidavit submitted to this court indicated that approximately half of all Breathalyzer readings were invalidated when a second measurement was taken, due to the large disparity between the two readings. Brief of Appellant, app. A, at 31. To require an officer who has just taken a Breathalyzer reading to check that reading with a second test is a very minor burden indeed. When this burden is balanced against the right of the accused to challenge what he or she believes to be a false reading, I believe the inescapable conclusion is that the balance swings decidedly in favor of the accused. I believe RCW 46.61.506(5) requires the officer to perform a second test if requested by the accused.
The majority cites the decision in California v. Trombetta, 467 U.S. 479, 81 L. Ed. 2d 413, 104 S. Ct. 2528 (1984) and United States v. Agurs, 427 U.S. 97, 49 L. Ed. 2d 342, 96 S. Ct. 2392 (1976) for the proposition that the State must preserve material evidence that (1) possesses an apparent exculpatory value, and (2) is not otherwise obtainable by reasonably available means. Majority, at 37. The majority, however, inexplicably concludes that "[a]t best, whether the results of a second test would be exculpatory or incriminating can be no more than speculative and, therefore, of questionable assistance to the defendant." Majority, at 37. I do not follow this reasoning. Surely the majority is aware that a second test may invalidate an inaccurate first reading. Moreover, it may aid the prosecution, as it may corroborate the results of the first test, a result which can be highly significant if the accused's blood alcohol content is just over .10 percent.
*43Conclusion
The State Toxicologist Vidmantas A. Raisys has recommended that accuseds be given two Breathalyzer tests. In a letter describing the new Breathalyzer machines sent to prosecutors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and the State Patrol, the toxicologist stated
it is important that for both tests that deep lung air is provided. If the two tests are administered properly, the two tests will agree within reasonable limits.
Brief of Appellant, app. B, at 27. The state toxicologist, a trained scientist, implicitly recognizes the Breathalyzer test can be inaccurately administered and a second breath test is a useful method of ensuring reliability of the first reading. Apparently, the majority is unable to comprehend this.
I dissent. I believe the Whatcom County police officers' failure to administer second blood tests to these individuals violated their rights to gather exculpatory evidence. I would suppress the evidence of the first Breathalyzer tests.