State of Tennessee v. Darrell Wayne Smith

07/02/2018

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

AT KNOXVILLE

March 27, 2018 Session

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. DARRELL WAYNE SMITH

Appeal from the Criminal Court for Roane County

No. 2012-CR-167 Michael S. Pemberton, Judge

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No. E2017-00764-CCA-R3-CD

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The defendant, Darrell Wayne Smith, was convicted of driving under the influence and

violation of the Tennessee Financial Responsibility statute. On appeal, the defendant

contends he was denied a fair trial because the trial court issued a capias for his arrest in

front of the jury. Additionally, the defendant contends the trial court erred in allowing

portions of the State’s expert’s testimony and that the evidence is insufficient to support

his convictions. On our review of the record and relevant authorities, the defendant is not

entitled to relief.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgments of the Criminal Court Affirmed

J. ROSS DYER, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which JOHN EVERETT WILLIAMS

and ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY, JR., JJ., joined.

Will Wooten, Kingston, Tennessee, for the appellant, Darrell Wayne Smith.

Herbert H. Slatery III, Attorney General and Reporter; Katherine C. Redding, Assistant

Attorney General; Russell Johnson, District Attorney General; and Joe Caldwell,

Assistant District Attorney General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.

OPINION

Facts and Procedural History

A Roane County Grand Jury indicted the defendant for driving under the influence

and violation of the financial responsibility law as a result of a car accident. The

defendant was charged based on his interactions with the state trooper at the scene and

the results of a blood test indicating narcotics levels sufficient to cause impairment.

At the outset of the defendant’s trial, the trial court opened court and announced to

the jury panel that the parties were ready to proceed. After “a brief pause,” the court

officer informed the trial court “[the defendant is] not to be found.” The State then asked

the trial court to issue a capias for the defendant’s arrest and revoke the defendant’s bond.

Trial counsel informed the trial court that he had spoken with the defendant the day

before and the defendant knew to be in court. Trial counsel “attempted to contact [the

defendant that] morning and was unable to reach him by phone.” Trial counsel also

advised the trial court that the defendant had “some medical issues,” suggesting those

issues could have caused his absence. The trial court granted the State’s motion

announcing, “A capias is going to be issued.” The trial court ordered the defendant to be

held without bond but told defense counsel “when you find out [he is] in there you get

ahold of me promptly and [we will] schedule a quick hearing to determine if there was a

wreck or if there was a physical [ab]normality or something like that.”

The trial court then addressed the jury directly,

Ladies and gentlemen, obviously through no fault of . . . [c]ounsel the

individual charged today has not appeared. So what we just did here was

issue a capias, which is basically a warrant for his arrest. And . . . alright.

[It is] a little [late is] all. But come back up.

As the trial court was addressing the jury, the defendant entered the courtroom. Upon

seeing the defendant, the trial court held a bench conference, at the conclusion of which

the trial court announced,

Alright ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Smith . . . you can come on up sir. I note

that you’re on crutches and I know that you came a long way today so

certainly I’m not going to . . . I’m going to revoke my [o]rder and we will

proceed. Come on up . . . I’ll rescind my [o]rder.

The trial then proceeded and the jury heard the State’s case-in-chief. On May 11,

2011, the defendant ran his vehicle off the road. Trooper Mathew Vespie, of the

Tennessee Highway Patrol, responded to the call of an accident and found the defendant

standing next to his vehicle. He asked the defendant if he had the vehicle registered or

insured, and the defendant responded he did not, as he had just purchased the vehicle.

Trooper Vespie’s first impression was that the defendant was intoxicated. The

defendant’s eyes were blood-shot, red, and very watery. Additionally, the defendant’s

pupils were very constricted and his speech was slurred. Based on these observations,

Trooper Vespie administered a series of field sobriety tests.

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Trooper Vespie conducted the horizontal-gaze nystagmus test, the nine-step walk-

and-turn, and the one-leg stand. The defendant failed the nine-step turn by failing to walk

in a straight line, failing the turn, and losing track of the number of steps he had taken.

The defendant failed the one-leg stand by switching legs mid-test and because he could

not perform the test without looking straight ahead. During these tests, the defendant

disclosed he had back surgery recently, had been prescribed Roxycodone, and would

normally be using crutches. However, he claimed he had not taken any medication that

day. Trooper Vespie admitted that a person’s back, leg, or nerve problems could

“hamper” the results of the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests because of issues with

balance and coordination.

Given the defendant’s possible medical issues, Trooper Vespie administered

alternative field sobriety tests. Trooper Vespie asked the defendant to recite the alphabet

without “singing it.” The defendant failed this test, slurring his speech during his

recitation. Additionally, Trooper Vespie administered the finger dexterity test, which the

defendant also failed.

Based on the multiple failed field sobriety tests, Trooper Vespie took the

defendant into custody. Trooper Vespie obtained the defendant’s consent to take a blood

sample and drove the defendant to the hospital. Shortly after placing the defendant in the

back of the patrol car, Trooper Vespie noticed the defendant had fallen asleep. Trooper

Vespie noted this was very unusual but consistent with the lethargy the defendant

exhibited throughout their interaction.

The State’s next witness was Special Agent Adam Gray, of the Tennessee Bureau

of Investigation (“TBI”). Agent Gray, the Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the TBI’s

toxicology unit, was accepted as an expert in the areas of toxicology and chemistry. The

trial court found Agent Gray “more than qualified” to testify about the results of the

laboratory tests and to what the literature says are the therapeutic, sub-therapeutic, toxic,

and lethal ranges for particular drugs and their metabolites. The trial court ruled Agent

Gray could “testify as to the [defendant’s] levels being above the therapeutic range and

how much they were above the therapeutic range,” but could not testify beyond that. The

defendant objected to Agent Gray’s use of the chart located in the article “Winek’s Drug

& Chemical Blood-level Data 2001” (“Winek chart”) as inadmissible hearsay. The trial

court overruled the defendant’s hearsay objection to the Winek chart, stating Agent Gray

could testify about the therapeutic ranges based on the literature because experts may rely

on established literature, even when that literature would normally constitute

inadmissible hearsay.

Agent Gray testified the defendant tested positive for Oxycodone, NorDiazepam,

and Alprazolam, depressants that can cause muscle weakness, confusion, tiredness, and

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lack of coordination. Agent Gray testified the pharmaceutical industry uses different

levels to describe the amount of a particular drug in the blood. Agent Gray utilized the

Winek chart to illustrate the ranges in which concentrations of a particular drug are

classified as either therapeutic, toxic, or lethal. The therapeutic level is where a

medication is having the effect intended by the prescribing doctor; however, Agent Gray

noted, an individual can still be impaired while in the therapeutic level. The toxic level is

where a medication shows more of its adverse effects. Agent Gray also noted the Winek

chart will often list generic versions of certain medication separately from the name

brand version of the medication; e.g., Ambien, the name brand version of Zolpidem, is

listed separately with different concentration levels than generic Zolpidem. Agent Gray

stated that he also utilized other charts in determining whether the concentration of

medication in the defendant’s blood was above or below the therapeutic range but did not

specify the specific names of those charts.

Agent Gray testified that the amount of Oxycodone in the defendant’s blood, 260

nanograms per milliliter (“ng/ml”), was more than double the upper range of the

therapeutic level on the Winek chart (10 ng/ml to 100 ng/ml) and more than a quarter

higher than the upper range (200 ng/ml) on another chart. The defendant had 8.4 ng/ml

of NorDiazepam in his blood which is below the therapeutic level for NorDiazepam (400

ng/ml). Finally the amount of Alprazolam in the defendant’s blood, 75.6 ng/ml, was

within the therapeutic range on the Winek chart (25 to 102 ng/ml) and over the

therapeutic level on a second chart (20 to 60 ng/ml).

Agent Gray testified the drugs detected in the defendant’s blood are central

nervous depressants and can cause impairment. Agent Gray further noted prescription

bottles for these types of drugs warn that they should not be taken with other central

nervous depressants and that one should avoid operating a motor vehicle while taking

these medications. Common side effects of these medications are “sleepiness,”

“drowsiness,” “lethargy,” and “weakness.” Agent Gray agreed many things affect an

individual’s response to a medication, including how long one has been on the medicine.

Agent Gray agreed the levels set forth in the charts do not show when a person is

impaired and agreed he could not testify, based on the blood test, that the defendant was

impaired. Agent Gray testified, however, that the average half-life of Oxycodone is three

to six hours and that he would expect the defendant’s numbers to be lower if he had taken

the medication the night before.

The jury found the defendant guilty of both driving under the influence and

violating the financial responsibility statute. The trial court sentenced the defendant to

eleven months and twenty-nine days for driving under the influence, suspended after

serving forty-eight hours in confinement, and imposed a fine and trial court costs for the

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financial responsibility violation. The defendant filed a timely motion for new trial,

which the trial court denied. This timely appeal followed.

Analysis

On appeal, the defendant argues his convictions should be overturned for three

reasons. First, the trial court prejudiced the defendant by issuing a capias for his arrest in

the presence of the jury. Second, the trial court erred by allowing Agent Gray to testify

and utilize the Winek chart. And third, the evidence is insufficient to support the jury’s

verdict for driving under the influence and violation of the Tennessee Financial

Responsibility statute.

1. Issuance of the Capias Warrant

The defendant contends the issuance of the capias in the presence of the jury made

it impossible for him to receive a fair and impartial trial. The State argues the defendant

waived review of this issue for failing to contemporaneously object. Furthermore, the

State contends the defendant is not entitled to plain error review as the defendant has

failed to establish how the issuance of the capias affected a fundamental right of the

defendant. Based on our review of the record and relevant authorities, we agree with the

State.

The trial court’s order denying the motion for new trial states, “the court inquired

as to whether the parties wished to go ahead and proceed with the trial, given what had

just transpired in front of the jury venire. The defendant did not object and agreed to

proceed. As the defendant failed to raise this issue at trial; therefore, we review solely for

plain error. State v. Smith, 492 S.W.3d 224, 232 (Tenn. 2016) (stating that failure to raise

an election of offenses issue in the trial court waives direct appellate review but does not

preclude plain error review). The doctrine of plain error applies when all five of the

following factors have been established:

(a) The record must clearly establish what occurred in the trial court;

(b) A clear and unequivocal rule of law must have been breached;

(c) A substantial right of the accused must have been adversely affected;

(d) The accused must not have waived the issue for tactical reasons; and

(e) Consideration of the error must be “necessary to do substantial justice.”

State v. Page, 184 S.W.3d 223, 230-31 (Tenn. 2006) (quoting State v. Terry, 118 S.W.3d

355, 360 (Tenn. 2003)) (internal brackets omitted). “An error would have to [be]

especially egregious in nature, striking at the very heart of the fairness of the judicial

proceeding, to rise to the level of plain error.” Id. at 231. Complete consideration of all

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the factors is not necessary when it is clear from the record that at least one of these

factors cannot be established. State v. Smith, 24 S.W.3d 274, 283 (Tenn. 2000).

Here, the defendant has failed to establish a substantial right was adversely

affected. While every defendant is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, we are not

persuaded that right was infringed. The defendant argues the issuance of the capias was

tantamount to giving the jury an impression he was in the custody of or otherwise

restrained by the State. The defendant relies upon Willocks v. State, 546 S.W.2d 819

(Tenn. Crim. App. 1976), and State v. Braden, 874 S.W.2d 624 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993),

in support. However, these cases are not persuasive in the instant case. Unlike the

defendants in Willocks and Braden, the defendant was never under the control or restraint

of the State. In the moments that elapsed from the issuance of the capias to the

revocation of the order, the defendant had no restraints placed on his liberty.

The defendant argues whether or not he was not physically restrained is irrelevant

because the jury was given the impression he would be arrested and detained at some

point in the future. However, that alone is insufficient to damage the defendant’s

presumption of innocence. “Jurors are quite aware that the defendant appearing before

them did not arrive there by choice or happenstance,” it is impossible to eliminate from

trial procedures “every reminder that the State has chosen to marshal its resources against

a defendant to punish him for allegedly criminal conduct.” Holbrook v. Flynn, 475 U.S.

560, 567 (1986); Carroll v. State, 532 S.W.2d 934, 937 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1975). Here,

as soon as the defendant entered the courtroom, the trial court, in the jury’s presence,

acknowledged the defendant was not only impaired by crutches but also by the distance

he had to travel to get to trial. The trial court then immediately rescinded its order and

proceeded to trial. While not an explicit curative instruction, the trial court, in the jury’s

presence, absolved the defendant of any wrongdoing for his tardiness. These actions are

sufficient to ensure the defendant’s presumption of innocence was not infringed.

Therefore, the defendant is not entitled to review of this issue.

2. Agent Gray’s Testimony

The next question before the Court is whether the trial court abused its discretion

in allowing Agent Gray to testify to the “therapeutic, toxic, or lethal” drug levels found in

the defendant’s blood. The defendant contends Agent Gray was not qualified to testify

concerning the drug levels found in the defendant’s blood because Agent Gray does not

have a medical degree and could not testify to the studies used to create or support the

Winek chart. The defendant also contends the Winek chart in and of itself constituted

inadmissible hearsay and could not be relied upon, regardless of Agent Gray’s

qualifications. The State argues Agent Gray was thoroughly voir dired before offering

his testimony and given Agent Gray’s extensive experience, the trial court did not abuse

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its discretion. Additionally the State notes experts may rely on inadmissible hearsay in

forming their opinion and the Winek chart is a document normally relied on within the

field. Upon our review of the record, we agree with the State.

The trial court accepted Agent Gray as an expert in the areas of toxicology and

chemistry. The trial court found Agent Gray “more than qualified” to testify about the

results of the laboratory tests and to what the literature says are the therapeutic, toxic,

and lethal ranges for particular drugs. The trial court ruled Agent Gray could “testify as

to the [defendant’s] levels being above the therapeutic range and how much they were

above the therapeutic range,” but could not testify beyond that.

It is well-established that questions regarding the admissibility, relevancy, and

competency of expert testimony are left to the broad discretion of the trial court. See

Brown v. Crown Equip. Corp., 181 S.W.3d 268, 273 (Tenn. 2005); State v. McLeod, 937

S.W.2d 867, 871 (Tenn. 1996). “We may not overturn the trial court’s ruling admitting

or excluding expert testimony unless the trial court abused its discretion.” Brown, 181

S.W.3d at 273; see also McLeod, 937 S.W.2d at 871. A trial court abuses its discretion

“when it applies incorrect legal standards, reaches an illogical conclusion, bases its

decision on a clearly erroneous assessment of the evidence, or employs reasoning that

causes an injustice to the complaining party.” State v. Scott, 275 S.W.3d 395, 404-405

(Tenn. 2009) (citing Konvalinka v. Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hosp. Auth., 249

S.W.3d 346, 358 (Tenn. 2008)).

The admissibility of expert testimony is governed by Tennessee Rules of Evidence

702 and 703. State v. Copeland, 226 S.W.3d 287, 301 (Tenn. 2007); Brown, 181 S.W.3d

at 273. Rule 702 states, “If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will

substantially assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or determine a fact in issue,

a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education

may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise.” Tenn. R. Evid. 702. Rule 703

provides:

The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bases an

opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the

expert at or before the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon by

experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the

subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence. The court

shall disallow testimony in the form of an opinion or inference if the

underlying facts or data indicate lack of trustworthiness.

Tenn. R. Evid. 703.

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When determining the admissibility of expert testimony, the trial court must first

determine whether the witness is qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or

education to give an opinion within the limits of the witness’s expertise. Scott, 275

S.W.3d at 402; State v. Stevens, 78 S.W.3d 817, 834 (Tenn. 2002). “The determinative

factor is whether the witness’s qualifications authorize him or her to give an informed

opinion on the subject at issue.” Stevens, 78 S.W.3d at 834. A trial court “may make a

finding of reliability if the expert’s conclusions are sufficiently straightforward and

supported by a rational explanation which reasonable [persons] could accept as more

correct than not correct.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted).

The record supports the trial court’s decision to accept Agent Gray as an expert

witness in the areas of toxicology and chemistry. Agent Gray is a 14-year employee of

the TBI and serves as the Forensic Scientist Supervisor for the toxicology unit. Agent

Gray obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, received on-the-job toxicology

training from a senior forensic toxicologist, performed outside proficiency analysis, and

attended seminars and webinars on new techniques and technologies in toxicology and

forensic science. Agent Gray reviewed literature and scientific articles on toxicology, the

effects of drugs on individuals, and the specific effects of drugs on individuals who are

driving or performing field sobriety tests. He has attended classes on opioids and the

effects of drug use; and seminars and webinars where doctors presented on the

therapeutic levels of drugs. Agent Gray has testified in 60 criminal trials in the area of

drug chemistry, testified in 35 to 40 trials in the area of toxicology, and been qualified as

an expert in federal court and in trial courts of Knox, Hamilton, and Sullivan counties.

The trial court, therefore, did not abuse its discretion in determining Agent Gray was

qualified to testify regarding whether the drugs found in the defendant’s blood were at

therapeutic or toxic levels, based on established research.

Furthermore, Agent Gray’s use of the Winek chart did not violate the rules against

hearsay nor did it fail to meet the reliability standards of Rule 703 of the Tennessee Rules

of Evidence. An expert witness may base his or her opinion on “(1) information actually

perceived by the expert; (2) information made known to the expert by others; and (3)

information reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field.” State v. Kennedy,

7 S.W.3d 58, 66 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1999) (citing Tenn. R. Evid. 703). Rule 703

contemplates that inherently reliable information is admissible to show the basis for an

expert’s opinion, even if the information would otherwise constitute inadmissible

hearsay. See Tenn. R. Evid. 703. Indeed, it is not uncommon for an expert witness’s

opinion to be based on facts or data that are not admissible into evidence, but are reliable.

See Kennedy, 7 S.W.3d at 66 (citing Neil P. Cohen et al., Tennessee Law of Evidence §

703.4). In determining the reliability of the underlying information, the underlying data

must be such that experts in that field reasonably rely on them in forming the same kinds

of opinions or inferences that the expert in this case did. Id. Therefore, Tennessee Rule

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of Evidence 703 provides that an expert may base an opinion upon clearly inadmissible

hearsay, if the type of hearsay is one that would be reasonably relied upon by experts in

the field.

Agent Gray testified the Winek chart is regularly relied on by experts in his field.

Agent Gray explained the chart relies on studies from across the field of toxicology but

the primary study underlying the Winek chart is Drug Effects on Psychomotor

Performance, by Basalt. This study is widely used in the field, cited regularly in

scientific articles, and referenced at toxicology seminars. From this testimony, it is

apparent the trial court did not err in concluding Agent Gray not only had sufficient

knowledge of the underlying studies of the Winek chart, but also that the Winek chart is a

source reasonably relied upon by experts in the field of toxicology.

The thrust of the defendant’s argument is that the jury chose to accredit Agent

Gray’s testimony, despite inconsistencies within the Winek chart and his inability to

reference its underlying studies. However, the defendant was able to cross-examine

Agent Gray about the chart, his conclusions based on the chart, and his knowledge of the

underlying studies. The trial court properly instructed the jury as to the weight they were

to give to the expert’s testimony. The jury chose to accredit Agent Gray and resolved all

issues of credibility in favor of the State. Because it is within the province of the jury to

resolve issues of credibility and determine the value of the evidence presented, we will

not reevaluate the jury’s accreditation on appeal. See State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d 651,

659 (Tenn. 1997).

Moreover, even if Agent Gray’s testimony is inadmissible, any error in permitting

him to testify is harmless based on the overwhelming evidence presented at trial. It is

undisputed the defendant ran his vehicle off the road. The jury heard testimony from

Trooper Vespie indicating the defendant failed all field sobriety tests administered,

slurred his speech, and was lethargic. Trooper Vespie testified that, in his professional

experience, the defendant’s behavior was consistent with impairment. Additionally, the

defendant admitted to Trooper Vespie he had taken medication within the past 24 hours.

Even without Agent Gray’s testimony, there is sufficient evidence to support a jury’s

conclusion the defendant was driving under the influence. The defendant, therefore, is

not entitled to relief.

3. Sufficiency of the Evidence

The defendant argues the evidence is insufficient to support the jury’s verdicts.

He claims the testimony of the State’s two witnesses was insufficient to establish the

defendant was impaired. Additionally, he argues the State failed to present sufficient

evidence to support a finding that the defendant violated the Financial Responsibility

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statute. When the sufficiency of the evidence is challenged, the relevant question for the

reviewing court is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the

prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime

beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979); see also

Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e) (“Findings of guilt in criminal actions whether by the trial court or

jury shall be set aside if the evidence is insufficient to support the findings by the trier of

fact of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”); State v. Evans, 838 S.W.2d 185, 190-92

(Tenn. 1992); State v. Anderson, 835 S.W.2d 600, 604 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1992). All

questions involving the credibility of witnesses, the weight and value to be given the

evidence, and all factual issues are resolved by the trier of fact. See State v. Pappas, 754

S.W.2d 620, 623 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1987). “A guilty verdict by the jury, approved by

the trial judge, accredits the testimony of the witnesses for the State and resolves all

conflicts in favor of the theory of the State.” State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474, 476 (Tenn.

1973). Our Supreme Court has stated the rationale for this rule:

This well-settled rule rests on a sound foundation. The trial judge

and the jury see the witnesses face to face, hear their testimony and observe

their demeanor on the stand. Thus the trial judge and jury are the primary

instrumentality of justice to determine the weight and credibility to be

given to the testimony of witnesses. In the trial forum alone is there human

atmosphere and the totality of the evidence cannot be reproduced with a

written record in this Court.

Bolin v. State, 405 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tenn. 1966) (citing Carroll v. State, 370 S.W.2d

523 (1963)). “A jury conviction removes the presumption of innocence with which a

defendant is initially cloaked and replaces it with one of guilt, so that on appeal a

convicted defendant has the burden of demonstrating that the evidence is insufficient.”

State v. Tuggle, 639 S.W.2d 913, 914 (Tenn. 1982).

Guilt may be found beyond a reasonable doubt where there is direct evidence,

circumstantial evidence, or a combination of the two. State v. Matthews, 805 S.W.2d

776, 779 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990) (citing State v. Brown, 551 S.W.2d 329, 331 (Tenn.

1977); Farmer v. State, 343 S.W.2d 895, 897 (Tenn. 1961)). The standard of review for

sufficiency of the evidence “‘is the same whether the conviction is based upon direct or

circumstantial evidence.’” Dorantes, 331 S.W.3d at 379 (quoting State v. Hanson, 279

S.W.3d 265, 275 (Tenn. 2009)). The jury as the trier of fact must evaluate the credibility

of the witnesses, determine the weight given to witnesses’ testimony, and reconcile all

conflicts in the evidence. State v. Campbell, 245 S.W.3d 331, 335 (Tenn. 2008) (citing

Byrge v. State, 575 S.W.2d 292, 295 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1978)). Moreover, the jury

determines the weight to be given to circumstantial evidence and the inferences to be

drawn from this evidence and the extent to which the circumstances are consistent with

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guilt and inconsistent with innocence are questions primarily for the jury. Dorantes, 331

S.W.3d at 379 (citing State v. Rice, 184 S.W.3d 646, 662 (Tenn. 2006)). This Court,

when considering the sufficiency of the evidence, shall not reweigh the evidence or

substitute its inferences for those drawn by the trier of fact. Id.

a. Driving Under the Influence

An individual is guilty of driving under the influence if in “physical control of any

automobile . . . on any of the public roads and highways of the state . . . while [u]nder the

influence of any . . . drug, substance affecting the central nervous system, or combination

thereof that impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle by depriving the

driver of the clearness of mind and control of oneself that the driver would otherwise

possess.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401. It is undisputed the defendant had been driving

an automobile on a public road in the State of Tennessee.

The State presented evidence that, during the middle of the day, the defendant ran

his vehicle off the road despite no visible obstructions or hazards. The defendant had

slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, and “very constricted” pupils. The defendant

failed all field sobriety tests, even after Trooper Vespie offered alternative tests to

account for the defendant’s back surgery. When attempting the walk-and-turn test the

defendant stepped off the line, did not touch heel to toe, stopped walking, could not

remember how many steps to take, and did not turn properly. The defendant put his foot

down during the one-leg stand test, changed legs, had to look straight ahead, could not do

more than one thing at a time, and went off-balance each time he looked at his toe.

Finally, the defendant could not follow instructions on the alphabet test nor successfully

complete the finger dexterity test.

The defendant’s blood was positive for Oxycodone, NorDiazepam, and

Alprazolam. Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance, while NorDiazepam and

Alprazolam are Schedule IV controlled substances. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-

408(b)(1)(M); -412(c)(1), (41). The jury heard testimony that indicated the levels of

these drugs were either within or over the therapeutic range which could cause

impairment. Oxycodone, NorDiazepam, and Alprazolam are central nervous depressants

that can have impairing effects such as muscle weakness, confusion, tiredness, and lack

of coordination; users are advised against taking multiple central nervous depressants

simultaneously because doing so can affect their ability to drive.

The defendant argues Trooper Vespie improperly administered the tests and did

not account for the defendant’s back problems. However, that does not address the

sufficiency of the evidence but speaks instead to Trooper Vespie’s credibility. As noted

supra, it is the role of the jury to resolve issues of credibility. The jury chose to accredit

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Trooper Vespie’s conclusion the defendant was impaired and resolved all conflicts in

favor of the State. See Bland, 958 S.W.2d at 659. Viewed in the light most favorable to

the State, the evidence is sufficient to support the jury’s verdict for driving under the

influence. The defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.

b. Financial Responsibility

To sustain the defendant’s conviction for failing to present proof of financial

responsibility, the State must have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant

failed to provide evidence of financial responsibility with respect to a vehicle driven on a

state highway. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-139. Documentation of an insurance policy is

one of the necessary aspects of proof for financial responsibility. Id. The law states that

on or before the defendant’s court date, he may submit evidence that he was in

compliance with the financial responsibility law at the time of the offense and have the

charge of failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility dismissed. See State v.

Tony A. Pitts, No. M2009-01177-CCA-R3-CD, 2010 WL 2867193, at *2 (Tenn. Crim.

App. July 22, 2010), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Oct. 20, 2010).

The State presented evidence indicating the defendant’s vehicle was not registered

or insured at the time of the accident. The defendant argues Trooper Vespie did not

actually ask the defendant to produce proof of insurance; however, this argument is not

supported by the record. Trooper Vespie stated during his cross-examination, “I said,

‘Do you have it registered or insurance?’ [The defendant] said, ‘No. This is a new car I

just got.’” While Trooper Vespie admitted he did not ask for proof of insurance again,

the initial exchange is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the statute. See Tenn.

Code Ann. § 55-12-139(b)(1)(A) (“[T]he officer shall request evidence of financial

responsibility as required by this section . . .”). The defendant never produced evidence

that at the time of the accident he possessed insurance sufficient to satisfy the statutory

requirement. Therefore, the evidence is sufficient to support the jury’s verdict for

violation of the financial responsibility law, and the defendant is not entitled to relief.

Conclusion

Based upon the foregoing authorities and reasoning, the judgment of the trial court

is affirmed.

____________________________________

J. ROSS DYER, JUDGE

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