This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
- The Defendant was arrested for driving while intoxicated. During the trial, the Defendant argued that her poor performance on field sobriety tests was due to her medical issues, not intoxication.
Procedural History
- District Court of Bernalillo County: Affirmed the metropolitan court's determination that the arresting officer had probable cause to arrest the Defendant for driving while intoxicated.
Parties' Submissions
- Plaintiff-Appellee (State of New Mexico): Argued that there was sufficient probable cause for the Defendant's arrest for driving while intoxicated.
- Defendant-Appellant (Angela Sanchez): Contended that her medical issues explained her poor performance on field sobriety tests and that there was insufficient probable cause for her arrest.
Legal Issues
- Whether there was sufficient probable cause to arrest the Defendant for driving while intoxicated.
Disposition
- The appeal was affirmed, upholding the district court's order which affirmed the metropolitan court's determination of probable cause for the Defendant's arrest.
Reasons
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Per J. Miles Hanisee, with Judges Briana H. Zamora and Zachary A. Ives concurring, the court was unpersuaded by the Defendant's arguments against the sufficiency of probable cause for her arrest. The court referenced several precedents to support the principle that the fact-finder is free to reject the defendant’s version of events and that the reviewing court does not weigh evidence or substitute its judgment for that of the fact-finder as long as there is sufficient evidence to support the verdict. The court affirmed the district court's thorough and well-reasoned memorandum opinion, which presented the facts, arguments, and analysis in response thereto, agreeing with its factual presentation, analysis, and conclusion (paras 1-4).
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