Archive for April, 2011

The “LONG BLOW” Breath Test Defense

April 28th, 2011
Bronchial anatomy detail of alveoli and lung c...

 

Did you know that an evidential breath testing instrument never really knows your “REAL” breath-alcohol concentration?

The air that is expelled at the beginning of the blow has less ethanol than air exhaled at the end.  This is due to the fact that gravity forces blood to pool at the base of the lungs.  Air from your upper lungs has less a concentration and is exhaled first.  Subjects are exhorted to “blow longer” so that the deep lung air is measured.  The longer the blow the higher the reading.

A review of the scientific literature of evidential breath testing does not average or weigh the upper lung air.  The machines are designed to only allow a sample after a certain rate of airflow is detected (approximately 3.8 l/m on the BAC DataMaster) demonstrating that a breath “plateua” has been reached thus indicating deep lung air.  The machine simultaneously monitors the slope of the breath sample curve and the flow.  This is accomplished by the “flow thermistor.” Since the machine only captures one “moment” of the blow it does not measure the full volume of the breath but only the most damning portion of the test.  Therefore, the “real” concentration can never be determined.  Form more information see: Taylor, Drunk Driving Defense, 6th Ed., pp. 328-329.

If you are stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, contact Dayton DUI defense attorney Charles Rowland today at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384); 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263); by texting DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500 or by visiting www.DaytonDUI.com.

Challenging the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

April 27th, 2011
UserEyeBall

Did the Officer Conduct A Pre-Test Medical Check?  Prior to the administration of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, an officer is required to examine a subject’s eyes to assess for possible medical impairment. (NHTSA Student Manual, 2006 ed. VIII-5)   The examining officer should look at

  • Pupil size;
  • Resting Nystagmus;
  • Tracking Ability

If any of these are present they should be noted and the test should be aborted.

Resting Nystagmus is “referred to as a jerking of the eyes as they look straight ahead.  (NHTSA Student Manual, 2006 ed., VIII-4)  Officers are trained that if they see resting nystagmus “[i]ts presence usually indicates a pathology or high doses of a Dissociative Anesthetic drug such as PCP.” (NHTSA Student Manual, 2006 ed., VIII-4)  Officers are also trained that if the eyes cannot track equally or if the pupils are noticeably unequal in size, “the chance of medical disorders or injuries causing the nystagmus is present.” (NHTSA Student Manual, 2006 ed., VIII-5)

The check for equal tracking, pupil size and resting nystagmus is incorporated into the officer’s training and is part of the test.  The training manual includes this medical pre-check as part4 of the “Administrative Procedures” of giving the test. (NHTSA Student Manual, 2006 ed., VIII-7)

Dayton DUI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II is trained to administer and evaluate the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, completing the same training that is given to law enforcement.  If you find yourself facing an Ohio DUI arrest, contact Charles Rowland immediately at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384), 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263) or visit www.DaytonDUI.com.

Springfield DUI & The Clark County Municipal Court

April 26th, 2011

If you have been arrested for OVI in Springfield, Ohio, your misdemeanor OVI case will be heard in the Clark County Municipal Court.   If you need to find information about a case in the Clark County  Municipal Court you can search HERE for case information/case look-up,  or visit the court’s web site HERE.

Charles M. Rowland II has represented the accused drunk driver in Springfield and the Clark County Municipal Court for over fifteen years.  Charles Rowland dedicates his practice to OVI law and has some of the most impressive credentials for OVI attorneys in the state of Ohio.  If you find yourself in need of criminal representation in the Clark County Municipal Court, contact Springfield DUI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II today!

You can reach Charles Rowland at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384), 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263), or 24/7 on the after-hours DUI Hotline at 937-776-2671, by texting DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500 or by visiting www.DaytonDUI.com.

Salvia Divinorum, A Primer

April 25th, 2011
salvia divinorum in d.c.
Image by oceandesetoiles via Flickr

Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family native to certain areas of the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant, which can grow to over three feet in height, has large green leaves, hollow square stems and white flowers with purple calyces, can also be grown successfully outside of this region . Salvia divinorum has been used by the Mazatec Indians for its ritual divination and healing. The active constituent of Salvia divinorum has been identified as salvinorin A. Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, the abuse of Salvia Divinorum is gaining popularity in the United States, particulary by adolescents and young adults.

A limited number of studies have reported the effects of using either plant material or salvinorin A. Psychic effects include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, as well as body movements and body or object distortions. Other effects include dysphoria, uncontrolled laughter, a sense of loss of body, overlapping realities, and hallucinations (seeing objects that are not present). Adverse physical effects may include incoordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.

Scientific studies show that salvinorin A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist. Other drugs that act at the kappa opioid receptor also produce hallucinogenic effects and dysphoria similar to that produced by salvinorin A. Salvinorin A does not activate the serotonin 2A receptor, which mediates the effects of other schedule I hallucinogens.  Due to the hallucinogenic effects there is a substantial risk of injury or death as a result of impaired judgment due to disruptions of sensory and cognitive functions

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report published by SAMHSA in February 2008, it is estimated that 1.8 million persons aged 12 or older used Salvia divinorum in their lifetime, a approximately 750,000 did so in the past year. Use was more common among young adults (18 to 25 years old) as opposed to older adults (>26 years of age). Young adults were 3 times more likely than youths aged 12 to 17 to have used Salviadivinorum in the past year. Use is more common in males than females.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has prepared this report on salvia divinorum.  You can find the original materials here: http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/salvia_divinorum.html.  If you find yourself in need of an Ohio DUI attorney, contact Charles M. Rowland II at (937) 879-9542 or visit www.DaytonDUI.com.

Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Assault; R.C. 2903.08

April 22nd, 2011
Plaque commemorating the Northwest Ordinance o...

 

When someone is seriously injured in an accident that involves alcohol, it is a tragedy.  Charles M. Rowland II represents people charged with felony OVI offenses like Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Aggravated Vehicular Homicide throughout the State of Ohio.  You need someone who knows the science and is talented enough to assemble a team to win your case. “WIN THE SCIENCE/WIN THE LAW/WIN YOUR CASE!”  Below is the Ohio Revised Code Chapter defining the offense of Aggravated Vehicular Assault.  If you need an experienced DUI attorney to represent you, CONTACT CHARLES M. ROWLAND II today at 937-318-1DUI (318-1384), 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263)

2903.08 – Aggravated vehicular assault; vehicular assault

(A) No person, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, snowmobile, locomotive, watercraft, or aircraft, shall cause serious physical harm to another person or another’s unborn in any of the following ways:

(1)(a) As the proximate result of committing a violation of division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance;

(b) As the proximate result of committing a violation of division (A) of section 1547.11 of the Revised Code or of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance;

(c) As the proximate result of committing a violation of division (A)(3) of section 4561.15 of the Revised Code or of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.

(2) In one of the following ways:

(a) As the proximate result of committing, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a construction zone, a reckless operation offense, provided that this division applies only if the person to whom the serious physical harm is caused or to whose unborn the serious physical harm is caused is in the construction zone at the time of the offender’s commission of the reckless operation offense in the construction zone and does not apply as described in division (E) of this section;

(b) Recklessly.

(3) As the proximate result of committing, while operating or participating in the operation of a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a construction zone, a speeding offense, provided that this division applies only if the person to whom the serious physical harm is caused or to whose unborn the serious physical harm is caused is in the construction zone at the time of the offender’s commission of the speeding offense in the construction zone and does not apply as described in division (E) of this section.

(B)(1) Whoever violates division (A)(1) of this section is guilty of aggravated vehicular assault. Except as otherwise provided in this division, aggravated vehicular assault is a felony of the third degree. Aggravated vehicular assault is a felony of the second degree if any of the following apply:

(a) At the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension imposed under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code.

(b) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section.

(c) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense.

(d) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more prior violations of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance within the previous six years.

(e) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more prior violations of division (A) of section 1547.11 of the Revised Code or of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance within the previous six years.

(f) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more prior violations of division (A)(3) of section 4561.15 of the Revised Code or of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance within the previous six years.

(g) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more prior violations of any combination of the offenses listed in division (B)(1)(d), (e), or (f) of this section.

(h) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a second or subsequent felony violation of division (A) of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code.

(2) In addition to any other sanctions imposed pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, except as otherwise provided in this division, the court shall impose upon the offender a class three suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(3) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code . If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section , any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense, or any traffic-related murder, felonious assault, or attempted murder offense, the court shall impose either a class two suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(2) of that section or a class one suspension as specified in division (A)(1) of that section.

(C)(1) Whoever violates division (A)(2) or (3) of this section is guilty of vehicular assault and shall be punished as provided in divisions (C)(2) and (3) of this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this division, vehicular assault committed in violation of division (A)(2) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. Vehicular assault committed in violation of division (A)(2) of this section is a felony of the third degree if, at the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension imposed under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense, or if, in the same course of conduct that resulted in the violation of division (A)(2) of this section, the offender also violated section 4549.02, 4549.021, or 4549.03 of the Revised Code.

In addition to any other sanctions imposed, the court shall impose upon the offender a class four suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(4) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section , any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense, or any traffic-related murder, felonious assault, or attempted murder offense, a class three suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(3) of that section.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this division, vehicular assault committed in violation of division (A)(3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Vehicular assault committed in violation of division (A)(3) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree if, at the time of the offense, the offender was driving under a suspension imposed under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code or if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense.

In addition to any other sanctions imposed, the court shall impose upon the offender a class four suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(4) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section , any traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense, or any traffic-related murder, felonious assault, or attempted murder offense, a class three suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(3) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code.

(D)(1) The court shall impose a mandatory prison term on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of division (A)(1) of this section.

(2) The court shall impose a mandatory prison term on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of division (A)(2) of this section or a felony violation of division (A)(3) of this section if either of the following applies:

(a) The offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or section 2903.06 of the Revised Code.

(b) At the time of the offense, the offender was driving under suspension under Chapter 4510. or any other provision of the Revised Code.

(3) The court shall impose a mandatory jail term of at least seven days on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a misdemeanor violation of division (A)(3) of this section and may impose upon the offender a longer jail term as authorized pursuant to section 2929.24 of the Revised Code.

(E) Divisions (A)(2)(a) and (3) of this section do not apply in a particular construction zone unless signs of the type described in section 2903.081 of the Revised Code are erected in that construction zone in accordance with the guidelines and design specifications established by the director of transportation under section 5501.27 of the Revised Code. The failure to erect signs of the type described in section 2903.081 of the Revised Code in a particular construction zone in accordance with those guidelines and design specifications does not limit or affect the application of division (A)(1) or (2)(b) of this section in that construction zone or the prosecution of any person who violates either of those divisions in that construction zone.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) “Mandatory prison term” and “mandatory jail term” have the same meanings as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) “Traffic-related homicide, manslaughter, or assault offense” and “traffic-related murder, felonious assault, or attempted murder offense” have the same meanings as in section 2903.06 of the Revised Code.

(3) “Construction zone” has the same meaning as in section 5501.27 of the Revised Code.

(4) “Reckless operation offense” and “speeding offense” have the same meanings as in section 2903.06 of the Revised Code.

(G) For the purposes of this section, when a penalty or suspension is enhanced because of a prior or current violation of a specified law or a prior or current specified offense, the reference to the violation of the specified law or the specified offense includes any violation of any substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, former law of this state, or current or former law of another state or the United States.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004; 06-01-2004; 09-23-2004; 04-04-2007