State v. Breving, C-080236 (1-16-2009)
State v. Breving, C-080236 (1-16-2009)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 2} Breving's sole assignment of error alleges that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress the results of his breath test. Breving argues that the prosecution failed to show that the solution used to calibrate the Intoxilyzer machine was properly refrigerated.
{¶ 3} Appellate review of a trial court's ruling on a motion to suppress evidence presents a mixed question of law and fact.1 We must accept the trial court's findings of fact as true if they are supported by competent and credible evidence.2 For the trial court's conclusions of law, however, we must review de novo and decide whether the facts satisfy the applicable legal standard.3
{¶ 4} The police officer charged with calibrating the Intoxilyzer machines in all five districts of the Cincinnati Police Department testified that the calibration solution *Page 3 was refrigerated while in storage. The solution was not refrigerated during the time the officer travelled to all five districts to calibrate the different machines. District Two, where Breving's test had been conducted, was the last stop on the route. By the time District Two's Intoxilyzer machine was calibrated, the solution had been out of refrigeration for approximately four and one-half hours.
{¶ 5} Ohio Adm. Code
{¶ 6} Breving argues that Ginocchio is not controlling because it was decided prior to the Ohio Supreme Court's decision in State v.Bumside8 and our decision in State v. Douglas9 which held that deviation from a mandatory Department of Health *Page 4 regulation does not constitute substantial compliance with that regulation. Burnside and Douglas are inapplicable. InGinocchio, we held that the procedure used to calibrate the machines did not deviate in any way from the Department of Health regulation because the phrase "in use" included the time spent transporting the solution to the testing sites.
{¶ 7} We point out that Breving's reliance on Ohio Adm. Code 701-53-05(F), which states, "While not in transit or under examination, all blood and urine specimens shall be refrigerated," is misplaced. Blood and urine are the actual body fluids to be tested. Calibration solutions are not body fluids. The Department of Health, which possesses the requisite scientific expertise, 10 has promulgated different rules for body fluids and calibration solutions.
{¶ 8} We hold that the calibration solution was "being used" in this case within the meaning of Ohio Adm. Code
Judgment affirmed.
PAINTER and DINKELACKER, JJ., concur.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.