[APPEALS] Rangel v. State, 25A-CR-1134

Jorge Rangel appeals his conviction for operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more. When Indiana State Trooper Alvarez observed Rangel driving his car 20 miles per hour below the speed limit and exiting a toll road without activating his turn signal, he initiated a traffic stop. Trooper Alvarez observed signs of intoxication and Rangel agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, which reflected a blood alcohol concentration of .175 grams per 210 liters of breath. Thereafter, the State charged Rangel with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more.

Prior to trial, Rangel filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained from the traffic stop, arguing that the traffic stop was unjustified because he did not change lanes and was therefore not required to signal. The trial court disagreed and denied Rangel's motion to suppress. The case proceeded to a bench trial, and the trial court convicted Rangel of operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more. The trial court sentenced Rangel to 365 days with 359 days suspended to probation. Rangel presents one issue on appeal: Whether the trial court abused its discretion by admitting evidence obtained from his traffic stop.

The scheduled panelists are Judge Weissmann, Judge Kenworthy, Judge Felix.