Defendant was convicted, after bench trial, of DUI and of failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and sentenced to 2 years probation and a suspended sentence. Court properly denied Defendant's motion to suppress. Facts observed by officer when he arrested Defendant were probable cause to support arrest. Defendant showed signs of being under influence of drugs, including dilated pupils, deliberate and lethargic movements, slurred speech, and difficulty keeping his eyes open, and he failed all 3 field sobriety tests. Officer's actions were reasonable within the "community caretaking" doctrine. Court did not abuse its discretion in allowing testimony from a drug expert (called "drug recognition expert" by parties) to testify as to his opinion on effects of certain drugs. Evidence was sufficient to support conviction.(REYES and LAMPKIN, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
DUI