Bottoms v. Com., 0317-94-2
| Decision Date | 06 June 1995 |
| Docket Number | No. 0317-94-2,0317-94-2 |
| Parties | Stuart Allen BOTTOMS v. COMMONWEALTH of Virginia Record |
| Court | Virginia Court of Appeals |
W. Edward Riley, IV, Richmond (Boone, Beale, Carpenter & Cosby, on brief), for appellant.
Monica S. McElyea, Asst. Atty. Gen. (James S. Gilmore, III, Atty. Gen., on brief), for appellee.
Present: MOON, C.J., and BENTON and ELDER, JJ.
Stuart Allen Bottoms (appellant) appeals his conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol in violation of Code § 18.2-266. Appellant contends that the trial court erred in failing to suppress blood test results because the circuit court clerk did not send appellant a copy of the certificate of analysis after he had requested it in writing pursuant to Code § 19.2-187(ii). Because the certificate was not delivered to appellant seven days prior to trial, we reverse the conviction and remand the case for retrial if the Commonwealth be so advised.
The record shows that on September 4, 1993, Trooper James Elmore of the Virginia State Police saw appellant make a turn without using his turn signal as he was operating a motor vehicle. After appellant was pulled over and exhibited signs of intoxication, he submitted to a blood test, which revealed that his blood alcohol content was .12 percent. Appellant was charged with driving under the influence and tried without a jury on January 25, 1994.
Fifty-four days before trial, appellant requested a copy of the certificate of analysis of his blood test from the clerk of the circuit court. Appellant did not notify the Commonwealth's attorney of this request. At trial appellant objected to the admission of the certificate of analysis of his blood test, because he had not received a copy of the certificate prior to trial, pursuant to Code § 19.2-187(ii).
In response to appellant's objection, the Commonwealth moved for a continuance to provide appellant with the opportunity to review the certificate. Appellant objected to the continuance on the basis that it would be prejudicial to his case. The court overruled the objection and offered appellant two alternatives: (1) to continue the case in order to allow the Commonwealth to provide appellant with the certificate pursuant to the statute; or (2) to proceed with the case after a short recess in order to allow appellant time to review the certificate. Appellant took exception to the court's ruling and selected the second option. The certificate was received into evidence over appellant's objection, and he was convicted of driving under the influence.
Code § 19.2-187 states:
In any hearing or trial of any criminal offense or in any proceeding brought pursuant to Chapter 22.1 ... of this title, a certificate of analysis of a person performing an analysis or examination ... shall be admissible as evidence of the facts therein stated and the results of the analysis or examination referred to therein, provided (i) the certificate of analysis is filed with the clerk of the court hearing the case at least seven days prior to the hearing or trial and (ii) a copy of such certificate is mailed or delivered by the clerk...
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