State v. Freed

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1 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO
2 STATE OF NEW MEXICO,
3 Plaintiff-Appellee,
4 v. NO. 34,392
5 CALEB FREED,
6 Defendant-Appellant.
7 APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT OF BERNALILLO COUNTY
8 Stan Whitaker, District Judge
9 Hector H. Balderas, Attorney General
10 Santa Fe, NM
11 John Kloss, Assistant Attorney General
12 Albuquerque, NM
13 for Appellee
14 Twila A. Hoon
15 Albuquerque, NM
16 for Appellant
17 MEMORANDUM OPINION
18 SUTIN, Judge.
1 {1} Following a bench trial in the metropolitan court (the trial court), Defendant
2 Caleb Freed was convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor (DWI)
3 under the impaired to the slightest degree standard, contrary to NMSA 1978, Section
4 66-8-102(A) (2010). He appealed to the district court, which affirmed his conviction.
5 On appeal to this Court, Defendant challenges the admission of his IR 8000
6 intoxilyzer breath alcohol test (BAT) results, claiming that the State failed to lay a
7 proper foundation for their admission. He also challenges the sufficiency of the
8 evidence to support his conviction. We affirm.
9 DISCUSSION
10 {2} As to DWI, based on the totality of the circumstances recounted by the district
11 court (none of which included the BAT results), the trial court found that Defendant
12 was impaired to the slightest degree and was guilty of DWI. In Defendant’s statement
13 of issues filed in his district court appeal, Defendant carefully reviewed the testimony
14 and discussions in the trial court and stated that he objected to admission of the BAT
15 results because “the simulator as equipment does require its own certification from
16 [the Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD)] pursuant to 7.33.2.15(B)(1) [NMAC].” In
17 the argument in his statement of issues, however, Defendant for the first time relied
18 on several regulations apparently not raised in the trial court, and substituted
19 “approved” by SLD for “certified” by SLD; then argued extensively as to why
2
1 admission of the BAT results constituted error because of the lack of approval by SLD
2 of the simulator. The district court noted that “[n]either the regulations nor the parties
3 explain what the difference is—or whether there is a difference between—the canister,
4 the gas, and the simulator.” The district court concluded that it need not reach the
5 foundational questions because any error in admission of the BAT results was
6 harmless, relying on the following reasoning.
7 [Defendant’s] breath[]test results were .07 and .07; this evidence was
8 relevant only to demonstrate the presence of alcohol in his system.
9 [Defendant] testified he drank three beers and a shot an hour to an hour
10 and a half before driving. Although this [c]ourt is mindful of the heavy
11 weight the fact-finder can give to a breath[]test result, in the present case,
12 [Defendant’s] admissions regarding the quantity and timing of his
13 drinking provide an ample basis for a finding of impairment by alcohol.
14 The trial court further did not reference the breath[]test result in its
15 findings, despite the admission of the evidence. Evidence of the .07
16 breath[]test results therefore did not reasonably contribute to
17 [Defendant’s] conviction under these circumstances.
18 (Citations omitted.)
19 {3} Defendant raises three issues on appeal to this Court: (1) the evidence was
20 insufficient to support the trial court’s finding that he was impaired to the slightest
21 degree by alcohol and unable to safely operate a vehicle; (2) the trial court abused its
22 discretion in admitting his BAT results into evidence when the State failed to establish
23 that the simulator attached to the IR 8000 intoxilyzer used to test his blood alcohol
24 content was approved by SLD; and (3) the trial court impermissibly shifted the burden
3
1 to Defendant when the State failed to show compliance with accuracy-ensuring
2 requirements. We first address Defendant’s sufficiency of evidence point. We then
3 address Defendant’s points in regard to admission of the BAT results and any shifting
4 of the burden of proof.
5 I. Sufficiency of the Evidence
6 {4} Defendant argues that the State presented insufficient evidence to prove beyond
7 a reasonable doubt that he was impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol and unable
8 to operate a vehicle safely. We “view the evidence in the light most favorable to the
9 guilty verdict, indulging all reasonable inferences and resolving all conflicts in the
10 evidence in favor of the verdict.” State v. Holt, 2015-NMCA-073, ¶ 23, 352 P.3d 70211 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), aff’d, 2016-NMSC-011, ___ P.3d ___.
12 In that light, “we examine whether any rational trier of fact could have found the
13 essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. (internal quotation
14 marks and citation omitted).
15 {5} “It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to
16 drive a vehicle within this state.” Section 66-8-102(A). To find Defendant guilty of
17 DWI under the impaired to the slightest degree standard, the State was required to
18 prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Defendant “was less able to the slightest degree,
19 either mentally or physically, or both, to exercise the clear judgment and steady hand
4
1 necessary to handle a vehicle with safety to the driver and the public as a result of
2 drinking [alcohol].” State v. Gurule, 2011-NMCA-042, ¶ 7, 149 N.M. 599, 252 P.3d
3 823 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); see also State v. Sisneros, 1938-
4 NMSC-049, ¶ 18, 42 N.M. 500, 82 P.2d 274 (discussing the impaired to the slightest
5 degree standard).
6 {6} Defendant does not dispute that he drove within the state after he consumed
7 alcohol. Indeed, he admitted that he consumed alcohol prior to driving up to the
8 sobriety checkpoint. Instead, Defendant contends that the evidence was “insufficient
9 to create a nexus between any drinking and any driving that was impaired by the
10 drinking.” We are not persuaded.
11 {7} Evidence also showed that Defendant drove into the sobriety checkpoint at an
12 abnormally high speed—between thirty to forty miles per hour—despite the presence
13 of signs advising drivers to reduce their speed, ten to twelve uniformed police officers,
14 safety equipment, and orange cones on the roadway. Additionally, Defendant did not
15 immediately respond to the flashing lights, hand signals, or shouts from officers, and
16 when Defendant finally stopped at the sobriety checkpoint, he did so abruptly.
17 {8} Further, Officer Hunt testified as follows. He contacted Defendant at the driver
18 side window and observed that Defendant had bloodshot, watery eyes and a strong
19 odor of alcohol coming from his facial area. Defendant admitted that he had consumed
5
1 “three beers and a shot” about “an hour to an hour and a half” prior to driving up to
2 the sobriety checkpoint. Defendant failed to follow directions and demonstrated
3 numerous difficulties performing the field sobriety tests. During the walk-and-turn
4 test, Defendant stepped off the line multiple times, paused on the ninth step and then
5 continued to take a total of fourteen steps in one direction, turned the wrong direction,
6 and then took sixteen steps in the opposite direction. During the one-leg-stand test,
7 Defendant had a noticeable circular sway, and he put his foot down once.
8 {9} We acknowledge Defendant’s arguments that contrary evidence was presented,
9 including that he did not have slurred speech; he had no difficulty getting out of his
10 vehicle; he did not stumble, trip, or fall; he answered all questions coherently; he
11 stopped at the proper person in the sobriety checkpoint and no one had to get out of
12 the path of his vehicle; and the trial court dismissed the careless driving charge against
13 him. See NMSA 1978, § 66-8-114 (1978) (prohibiting careless driving). However, we
14 do not reweigh the evidence on appeal. See State v. Griffin, 1993-NMSC-071, ¶ 17,
15 116 N.M. 689, 866 P.2d 1156 (“[An appellate] court does not weigh the evidence and
16 may not substitute its judgment for that of the fact[-]finder so long as there is
17 sufficient evidence to support the verdict.” (internal quotation marks and citation
18 omitted)); see also State v. Rojo, 1999-NMSC-001, ¶ 19, 126 N.M. 438, 971 P.2d 82919 (“Contrary evidence supporting acquittal does not provide a basis for reversal because
6
1 the [fact-finder] is free to reject [the d]efendant’s version of the facts.”); State v.
2 McGhee, 1985-NMSC-047, ¶ 17, 103 N.M. 100, 703 P.2d 877 (“The determination
3 of the weight and effect of the evidence, including all reasonable inferences to be
4 drawn from both the direct and circumstantial evidence is a matter reserved for
5 determination by the trier of fact.”).
6 {10} Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we conclude that
7 there was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s determination of guilt based
8 on DWI impaired to the slightest degree. See State v. Neal, 2008-NMCA-008, ¶ 27,
9 143 N.M. 341, 176 P.3d 330 (“Given the testimony as to [the d]efendant’s driving
10 behavior, physical condition, admission of drinking, and performance on the field
11 sobriety tests, the fact[-]finder could rely on common knowledge and experience to
12 determine whether [the d]efendant was under the influence of alcohol.”); State v.
13 Baldwin, 2001-NMCA-063, ¶ 16, 130 N.M. 705, 30 P.3d 394 (pointing out that a fact-
14 finder can rely on “human experience” in deciding whether a defendant was under the
15 influence and could “drive an automobile in a prudent manner”).
16 II. Foundation for Admission of BAT Results and Burden; Lack of
17 Preservation
18 {11} The trial court admitted Defendant’s BAT results of 0.07/0.07 into evidence.
19 Defendant asserts that the trial court abused its discretion by admitting the BAT
20 results into evidence when the State failed to lay a proper foundation as required under
7
1 SLD regulations. Defendant specifically contends that the State failed to present
2 evidence that the gas simulator used was approved by SLD. And he contends that the
3 trial court impermissibly shifted the burden of proof to him when the State failed to
4 show compliance with accuracy-ensuring requirements regarding the use of approved
5 equipment.
6 {12} In response, the State argues that Defendant failed to preserve the foundation
7 and burden-shifting issues, and even if the foundation issue was preserved, the State
8 satisfied the foundational prerequisites at issue. The State further asserts that, to the
9 extent that the trial court erred by admitting the BAT results into evidence, the error
10 was harmless.
11 A. Preservation
12 {13} The State acknowledges that at trial defense counsel made a foundational
13 objection to the admission of the BAT results, but argues that Defendant did not
14 challenge whether the simulator had to be or had been “approved” by SLD. Instead,
15 Defendant argued only that the simulator is “equipment” under 7.33.2.15(B)(1)
16 NMAC, and under that same regulation, the simulator had to be “certified.” See id.
17 (providing that breath samples “shall be collected and analyzed pursuant to the
18 procedures prescribed by SLD and employing only SLD approved equipment and
19 certified instruments”). The State argues that Defendant’s argument in the trial court
8
1 that the simulator, as equipment, must be “certified” is a different issue than
2 Defendant now raises on appeal, which is whether the State laid a proper foundation
3 to show that the simulator had been “approved” by SLD. And the State argues that
4 “any question [Defendant] raised about whether equipment was ‘certified’ not only
5 lacked legal relevance, it did not invoke an intelligent ruling on whether the
6 equipment was approved.” See State v. Varela, 1999-NMSC-045, ¶ 25, 128 N.M. 454,
7 993 P.2d 1280 (“In order to preserve an error for appeal, it is essential that the ground
8 or grounds of the objection or motion be made with sufficient specificity to alert the
9 mind of the trial court to the claimed error or errors, and that a ruling thereon then be
10 invoked.” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); Rule 12-216(A) NMRA
11 (“To preserve a question for review it must appear that a ruling or decision by the
12 district court was fairly invoked.”).
13 {14} At trial, when the State offered the BAT results into evidence, the trial court
14 reserved ruling and permitted defense counsel to conduct a voir dire examination of
15 Officer Hunt, who had testified regarding certification of the IR 8000 intoxilyzer.
16 Officer Hunt testified that the simulator was “purchased from CMI, however, the gas
17 was made by ILMO, which is on the New Mexico SLD-approved list for gas
18 canisters.” He testified further that CMI was the manufacturer of the IR 8000
19 intoxilyzer, which is also the entity from which the Albuquerque Police Department
9
1 purchases dry gas canisters. In addition, Officer Hunt stated that the gas from the
2 canister pumps into the simulator by pressure within the canister, without the use of
3 a separate electronic device, and the intoxilyzer takes a reading. He also testified that
4 the IR 8000 intoxilyzer was certified by SLD. Amidst this testimony, defense counsel
5 indicated that “the case is not about gas canisters really, it’s really about the
6 simulator[.]”1
7 {15} After voir dire, when the State again offered the BAT results in evidence,
8 Defendant objected and specifically argued that the State was required to show that
9 the simulator was certified—separate and apart from the IR 8000—because the
10 simulator is equipment and requires its own certification from SLD, pursuant to
11 7.33.2.15(B)(1) NMAC. In support of his foundation argument, Defendant referred
12 to a memorandum opinion from the Second Judicial District Court, which Defendant
13 characterized as involving a similar issue. Following a short recess to permit the
14 prosecutor an opportunity to review the opinion, and after considering arguments by
15 the parties, the trial court determined that the machine, i.e., the IR 8000 intoxilyzer
16 was certified and that the equipment, i.e., the simulator, would have been certified,
1
17 The parties, the trial court, and the district court appear to use “gas canister”
18 and “gas simulator” interchangeably. It was incumbent on Defendant to explain in
19 what manner the simulator was an accuracy-ensuring piece of equipment requiring a
20 separate approval from SLD.
10
1 and the court overruled Defendant’s objections and admitted the BAT results into
2 evidence.
3 {16} We agree with the State that Defendant failed to preserve the error he now
4 asserts. Defendant’s argument at trial that the simulator be “certified” is not the same
5 argument that he now makes—i.e., that “approval” of the simulator is required and
6 that failure to provide proof of approval resulted in foundational gaps. The contents
7 of the Second Judicial District Court memorandum opinion are not in the record. We
8 have no indication what the memorandum opinion stated or of the extent, if any, to
9 which the trial court was alerted to any detail or specific analysis in the opinion
10 regarding any separately required SLD approval of the simulator. Other than the one
11 general regulation, 7.33.2.15(B)(1) NMAC, Defendant did not alert the trial court to
12 any regulation that more specifically related to simulators or any SLD-approval
13 process. See, e.g., 7.33.2.7(I), (L) NMAC; 7.33.2.12(A)(2)(iii), (iv) NMAC;
14 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(i), (ii) NMAC. Furthermore, Defendant failed to argue how and
15 why a separate approval, as opposed to the intoxilyzer certification, was required for
16 accuracy assurance. Given the evidence that the IR 8000 intoxilyzer utilized for
17 Defendant’s BAT results was certified by SLD and was the instrument that took the
18 readings from the simulator by the process of the pressurized canister pumping gas
19 into the simulator and the evidence that the canister was manufactured by an SLD-
11
1 approved supplier, in order to adequately alert the trial court to the significance and
2 guts of his position, it was incumbent on Defendant to specifically explain how the
3 regulations required a separate SLD approval of the simulator and why the
4 certification of the IR 8000 intoxilyzer was insufficient. Defendant failed in that
5 regard, and we therefore agree with the State that Defendant failed to preserve his
6 present objection to admission of the BAT results.
7 {17} We also agree with the State as to the second preservation issue, i.e., the
8 burden-shifting issue. The State contends that because Defendant did not present to
9 the district court the burden-shifting argument he now advances on appeal, Defendant
10 abandoned this issue. See State v. Gutierrez, 1996-NMCA-001, ¶ 3, 121 N.M. 191,
11 909 P.2d 751 (stating that “reference to an argument, allegedly made in metropolitan
12 court, does not specifically apprise the district court of the nature of the claimed error,
13 and[] in fact, the district court did not address this issue” and stating that the defendant
14 did not file a motion for reconsideration when the district court failed to address the
15 issue, and holding that the defendant abandoned the issue); see also State v. Vigil,
16 2014-NMCA-096, ¶ 18, 336 P.3d 380 (holding that a defendant who raised an issue
17 at trial, but did not raise it before the district court abandoned the issue), cert. granted,
18 2014-NMCERT-009, 337 P.3d 95. Further, because we hold that Defendant failed to
19 preserve his lack of foundation argument, his burden-shifting issue is rendered moot.
12
1 CONCLUSION
2 {18} For the foregoing reasons, we affirm.
3 {19} IT IS SO ORDERED.
4 __________________________________
5 JONATHAN B. SUTIN, Judge
6 I CONCUR:
7 _______________________________
8 TIMOTHY L. GARCIA, Judge
9 RODERICK T. KENNEDY, Judge (specially concurring).
13
1 KENNEDY, J., specially concurring.
2 {20} I concur entirely with the majority opinion and write separately only to draw
3 attention to aspects of its considerable utility in helping to resolve a recurring source
4 of consternation, at least to me. We are lately seeing a number of DWI cases that
5 arrive through the Metropolitan and Second Judicial District Courts dealing with the
6 use of dry-gas calibration for breath test instruments. In most, the defense has chosen
7 to challenge, as an issue not directly related to the accuracy of the breath instrument,
8 the “approval” or “certification” of the “canister,” “tank,” “simulator,” or “container”
9 containing the dry gas “external reference standard” that SLD has chosen to use in
10 calibrating the test instrument.2 Here, we did not have to delve into the attributes of
11 the can because Defendant failed to connect the dots between “certification” and
12 “approval” of the canister/simulator and did not provide us with a copy of the district
13 court’s decision to show the issue was preserved.
14 {21} However, in this Opinion we supply citations to a few regulations that the
15 defense failed to argue, Majority Op. ¶ 16; the one stating that SLD is given the power
16 to “determine the breath alcohol simulator . . . gases to be used[,] 7.33.2.7(I) NMAC,
17 one stating that calibration is “[t]he analysis of an externally delivered, controlled,
18 ethanol vapor specimen of known alcohol concentration,” 7.33.2.7(I) NMAC, and the
2
19 Here, as with certification “stickers,” misnomers beggar the analytical process.
14
1 one requiring that in a calibration check, the instrument is checked to ensure that its
2 analysis of that sample of “known alcohol concentration” actually produces a reading
3 within a specified range. 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(ii) NMAC (requiring the gas “of known
4 alcohol concentration” used in calibration checks that use dry gas “simulate 0.08
5 grams per 210 liters” and give results “within ±0.01”). Approval of a gas standard
6 depends on the certification of its alcohol content by the manufacturer, as a condition
7 of approval for purchase. See N.M. Dep’t of Health, Sci. Lab. Div., List of Approved
8 Breath & Blood Alcohol Testing or Collection Devices & Accessories,
9 http://nmhealth.org/publication/view/general/1537 (last updated 4/2/2014) (stating
10 that approval of the tank is valid only so long as the approved reference standard
11 within meets the content and concentration specifications of the regulations quoted
12 above). This explains the difference between approval and certification and
13 demonstrates the result of SLD’s “selection and evaluation” process for equipment.
14 7.33.2.9 NMAC.
15 {22} That all of this is part of ensuring accuracy is demonstrated by the SLD
16 regulations associating calibration with key operators, and their training in “quality
17 control measures.” 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b) NMAC; 7.33.2.12(A)(2)(a)(iii)-(v) NMAC
18 (providing for the training of “key operators,” in the “preparation and use of a
15
1 simulator”; “calibration checks of selected breath alcohol instruments”; and “quality
2 control measures”). I would add mention of the regulation making instrument key
3 operators responsible for “the calibration checks of the instruments they oversee,
4 maintenance of those instruments and their supplies[.]” 7.33.2.12(B)(1) NMAC.
5 {23} I write separately to emphasize that an external reference sample—emphasis on
6 the words “external” and “reference”—is something without which a breath test
7 instrument cannot be calibrated and, as a result, without which an instrument cannot
8 be said to be accurate.3 A breath test instrument is incapable of determining whether
9 an external reference sample is within its required tolerance because the external
10 standard sets the reference point—an alcohol content verified elsewhere prior to its
11 attachment to the instrument—by which the instrument measures by comparison
12 unknown samples, e.g., the subject’s breath. Thus, using the required external
13 reference standard is the very anchor for the accuracy of the analytical process,
14 ensuring that the eventual measured result of the breath sample represents what it
15 purports to.4 Without an external reference, in effect, the instrument would be
3
16 E.g., “Calibration means the activity of verifying that a value generated by the
17 instrument is in acceptable agreement with the assigned value for a traceable and/or
18 certified reference standard, including any adjustment to the instrument to bring it into
19 acceptable agreement.” N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 10, § 59.1(l) (2011).
4
20 Ted Vosk & Ashley F. Emery, Forensic Metrology: Scientific Measurement
21 and Inference for Lawyers, Judges, and Criminalists: Metrological Traceablity, § 3.4,
22 at 80 (2015).
16
Correction page: State v. Freed, No. 34,392, SKG, Filed: May 4, 2016: Pg. 17, lines 8-9: Replaced “used in calibration checks
that use dry gas “with each subject test[,]” requires the gas within to” with “within the canister that is used in dry gas
calibration checks “with each subject test[,]” to”
1 comparing the standard to its last reading—sort of like certifying the accuracy of a
2 gasoline pump by stopping it when it said a gallon, and not putting the gas delivered
3 in a container certified by the weights and measures agency to actually hold a gallon.
4 Perhaps this is enough of a trail of breadcrumbs to assist the Hansels and Gretels
5 concerned with the accuracy of a breath test to assess why a gas canister is only
6 approved by SLD if it already contains the proper “external reference standard.”
7 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(ii) NMAC (requiring the gas “of known alcohol concentration”
8 within the canister that is used in dry gas calibration checks “with each subject test[,]”
9 to “simulate 0.08 grams per 210 liters” and give results “within ±0.01”). Thus, SLD
10 approves a cylinder/tank that is already certified by its manufacturer as to the quality
11 of its contents.
12 {24} On the issue of proper foundation for the breath test, I would hold that the
13 foundation laid by the State, including testimony as to the use of the gas
14 reference/simulator standard was sufficient to justify the test’s admission. Perhaps it
15 is worth studying as a road map for discharging the prosecution’s responsibility. In
16 State v. King, we held that “[c]ompliance with the SLD regulations intended to ensure
17 accuracy is a predicate to admission in evidence of test results.” 2012-NMCA-119, ¶
18 10, 291 P.3d 160. “Certification” is requisite, but State v. Martinez,
17
1 2007-NMSC-025, 141 N.M. 713, 160 P.3d 894, held that showing “the machine has
2 been certified is not enough[,]” but that “the State must also make a threshold showing
3 that SLD certification was current at the time the test was taken.” Id. ¶ 12 (internal
4 quotation marks). Martinez was clear in reiterating Dedman’s rule that “to meet
5 foundational requirements, the State does not need to show compliance with all
6 regulations, but only with those that are ‘accuracy-ensuring.’ ” Martinez, 2007-
7 NMSC-025, ¶ 11 (quoting State v. Dedman, 2004-NMSC-037, ¶ 13, 136 N.M. 561,
8 102 P.3d 628, overruled on other grounds by State v. Bullcoming, 2010-NMSC-007,
9 147 N.M. 487, 226 P.3d 1); State v. Onsurez, 2002-NMCA-082, ¶ 13, 132 N.M. 485,
10 51 P.3d 528 (“[W]eekly calibration is only one of the requirements for
11 certification[.]”). Martinez states that calibration checks “clearly exist to ensure that
12 the result of a test conducted on a breathalyser is accurate.” 2007-NMSC-025, ¶ 12.
13 With dry-gas calibration, a calibration check is run with every test performed, rather
14 than a weekly calibration using a wet-bath simulator. 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(ii) NMAC.
15 In Martinez, calibration was demonstrated by the officer’s experience and evidence
16 that the machine’s log indicated calibration within the requisite period to allow
17 continued certification. 2007-NMSC-025, ¶ 12. The content of the document showing
18 calibration is what is important, not the officer’s knowledge of the underlying process.
19 Id. ¶ 22.
18
1 {25} In this case, the officer who conducted the test testified that a “simulator” was
2 behind the breath machine and looked like a small oxygen tank connected by a black
3 rubber hose. The officer testified that he saw the brand name on the tank, and he knew
4 from whom it was purchased (CMI, who he identified as the maker of the IR 8000
5 breath testing device), and further testified correctly that its contents were
6 manufactured by one of the SLD-approved makers of the standards (ILMO). “It’s
7 actually the number two on the SLD’s list.” Since the trial court must be satisfied by
8 a preponderance of the evidence that those regulations have been followed prior to
9 admitting the BAT results, Rule 11-104(A) NMRA, Martinez, 2007-NMSC-025, ¶ 19,
10 the State established that the canister containing the gas that is the reference sample
11 used to calibrate the breath test machine was approved according to SLD regulations,
12 and properly used in conjunction with Defendant’s breath test. This testimony is
13 therefore, in my opinion, sufficient to satisfy the State’s foundational burden as to
14 whether the gas canister used as a calibration simulator reference standard employed
15 in this case is compliant, further satisfying the State’s burden under Martinez and
16 State v. Willie, 2008-NMCA-030, 145 N.M. 615, 179 P.3d 1223, rev’d on other
17 grounds by 2009-NMSC-037, 146 N.M. 481, 212 P.3d 369. The results of the
18 calibration check that was run at the time Defendant’s breath was tested (.078 g/210l)
19 were within the parameters required by the accuracy-ensuring regulations concerning
19
1 the alcohol value required of reference standards used for calibration checks.
2 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(ii) NMAC (requiring the gas within the canister used to calibrate
3 the breath test machine to “simulate 0.08 grams per 210 liters” and give results
4 “within ±0.01”).5
5 {26} So I concur because, in this case, I believe the State presented adequate
6 testimony to demonstrate that the gas cylinder employed in this case was one
7 approved by SLD, and in light of the calibration check being within SLD regulations’
8 requirement for its alcohol value, the gas reference standard used for calibration
9 facially satisfied the requirement for the calibration check in the accuracy-ensuring
10 regulation. See 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b)(ii) NMAC (“[A] single calibration check using
11 solutions or gases which simulate 0.08 grams per 210 liters shall be performed with
12 each subject test; satisfactory calibration check results must be within ± 0.01; these
5
13 It is the gas in the cylinder itself that “simulates” the required alcohol content,
14 and I note that the SLD regulations’ use of the term “simulator” is universally distinct
15 and separate from references to gas reference standards, usually referring to the use
16 of “wet-bath” simulators. I regard the cylinder/simulator distinction as needing
17 clarification, if at all, at the SLD or trial level; it is not relevant to my analysis here.
18 See 7.33.2.7(I) NMAC (distinguishing “alcohol simulator solutions” from “gases”
19 used to calibrate); 7.33.2.7(L) NMAC (separately listing “simulators, gas tanks, gas
20 brackets, and reference standards”); 7.33.2.9(A) NMAC (requiring manufacturers of
21 “wet-bath simulators [] and reference standards” wishing to sell to New Mexico
22 buyers to submit their wares for approval); 7.33.2.12(A)(2)(a)(ii) NMAC (providing
23 for training of key operators by SLD representatives in “the preparation and use of a
24 simulator”); 7.33.2.14(C)(2)(b) NMAC (distinguishing solutions and gases as two
25 methods of calibration).
20
1 test results shall be valid for the purpose of determining if the subject test is 0.08
2 grams per 210 liters or more[.]”).
3
4 RODERICK T. KENNEDY, Judge
21