State v. Zimmerman
State v. Zimmerman
Opinion of the Court
Defendant was convicted by jury of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Promptly following his arrest defendant was taken to police headquarters and as part of their investigation the officers had defendant perform a series of physical dexterity movements and had him repeat certain words. During the time these tests were being conducted a video tape was attempted to be made reflecting his performance. At the trial this video tape was introduced in evidence by the state and projected before the jury. Defendant assigns this as error, asserting that it was a prejudicial, inaccurate portrayal of the defendant.
While there was adequate evidence besides the video tape to present a jury question as to defendant’s guilt, the picture which the jury was permitted to view resulted in unfair prejudice to the defendant.
The first part of the tape was audio only, no picture at all appearing. Then an indistinct, wraithlike picture, apparently of a human, emerged on the video screen and the figure appeared to move about unsteadily from side to side. This unrecognizable, ghostlike figure remained in view several minutes, and continued to move, almost rhythmically, from side to side. The features were not recognizable as those of defendant but the video picture was represented by the state to be a fair portrayal of the defendant. Defense counsel objected at this point and the court overruled the objection. The state’s witness by whose testimony
Reversed and remanded.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- STATE OF OREGON v. DELBERT KENNETH ZIMMERMAN
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published