Griggers v. State
Griggers v. State
Opinion
Clyde Griggers, Jr., was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in an Alabama Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint (UTTC). He was convicted of the offense in district court and he appealed to the Circuit Court of Escambia County. A solicitor's complaint was filed against him in the circuit court again charging him with DUI. The court, sitting without a jury, found him "guilty and sentenced him to 12 months in the county jail," with only 3 days to be served, and fined him $500. The appellant raises three issues in this appeal.
"Q. And about 9:30 in the evening of December 5 where were you?
"MR. HARDEN: Ob โ Withdrawn
"A. On U.S. 31 between Bondurant Lumber Company area and the landfill.
"Q. What kind of vehicle were you in?
"A. A fully marked patrol vehicle.
"Q. Do you remember what direction you were headed in at that time?
"A. Southerly direction, toward Atmore.
"Q. What county would this have been in?
"A. Escambia County, Alabama.
"Q. When you were progressing in the southerly direction as you testified, did you have occasion to observe another vehicle on Highway 31 between the points you mentioned, Bondurant and the landfill?
"A. Yes Sir."
[R. 32-32] (emphasis supplied).
The trooper then testified as to what he observed. He followed the vehicle approximately a mile and a half before stopping it. This trooper observed the appellant driving under the influence of alcohol in Escambia County, Alabama, and, therefore, his testimony sufficiently established venue. Even if the trooper had crossed into another county during his pursuit of the appellant, the offense would have been committed in both counties and venue would lie in either county. Ala. Code ยง
The court properly denied the appellant's motion for acquittal. There was also sufficient evidence for the judge, sitting as the factfinder, to find that venue was established. Even if venue had not been established by the above direct testimony, proof of venue is sufficient if it can be reasonably inferred by the factfinder from the facts and circumstances adduced. See Coleman v. State,
The appellant contends that, since the UTTC was in the court file, the judge would have to see it. The record reveals, however, that the trial judge stated that, if the State attempted to introduce the UTTC, he would sustain the objection. Therefore, it is clear that the trial judge did not consider this evidence in his deliberations as the trier of fact because he believed the *Page 1100
evidence to be inadmissible. See Richmond v. State,
This record is free of error. The judgment below is hereby affirmed.
AFFIRMED.
All the Judges concur.
BOWEN, J., concurs in result only.
Reference
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- Clyde Griggers, Jr. v. State.
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- Published