The Statev.Scott Depol
CourtCourt of Appeals of Georgia
Docket No.A15A1947
DecidedMarch 15, 2016
JudgesCourt of Appeals of Georgia
Tags
CriminalCriminal ProcedureFourth AmendmentSearch and SeizureMotion to SuppressStatutory InterpretationReversal
Case Summary
The State appealed an order suppressing the results of Scott Depol’s state-administered breath test. The trial court reasoned that Depol’s apparent intoxication prevented him from voluntarily consenting to the search of his breath. The Court of Appeals of Georgia reversed. Reviewing the undisputed evidence and the governing consent standard, the court held that Depol understood the officer’s communications, was capable of making a free and voluntary choice, and actually consented to the test. The absence of threats, benefits, or promises did not support the trial court’s conclusion that consent was involuntary.
Opinion
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