Wednesday, September 14, 2011

2011 Municipal Court College

2011 Municipal Court College

Mon, Nov. 14, 2011

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick

A guide to handling municipal court matters in your practice and a "crash course" designed to build your skills!

This information-packed program is designed for attorneys who do not concentrate in municipal court law, including general practitioners seeking to expand into this practice area & not, novice attorneys looking to create a niche practice. Seasoned municipal court lawyers are certainly more than welcome to join us and brush up on their skills.

You'll "go back to school" to attend 6 half hour segments and panel discussions that will provide you with a working knowledge of municipal court law basics. You'll quickly be able to represent clients in a wide range of matters you would normally have had to refer to others. Gain confidence in your ability to handle municipal court law matters. Make an investment in your legal career and register today!!

Program Agenda:

5:00

Opening

5:35

Initial client interview; getting retained; dealing with the prosecutor –

Kenneth A. Vercammen, Esq

6:05

Driving While Suspended – Stephen D. Williams, Esq.

6:35

Drug Cases and DREs Norma M. Murgado, Esq.

7:05

Break

7:15

Assault and miscellaneous proceedings John E. Hogan, Esq.

7:45

DWI/Blood – John Menzel, Esq.

8:15

Alcotest – John Menzel, Esq.; Norma M. Murgado, Esq.

8:45

Q&A and closing comments

9:00

Adjourn

Gain insight and information that will help you represent clients in every aspect of municipal court law, including:
• Initial interview getting retained and dealing with the prosecutor
• Driving while suspended
• Drug cases and DRE
• Assault and miscellaneous
• DWI - Blood
• DWI – Alcotest

KENNETH A. VERCAMMEN, ESQ.

Past Chair, NJSBA Municipal Court Section

Past GP Solo Section Attorney of the Year

2006 NJSBA Municipal Court Practitioner of the Year

K. Vercammen & Associates (Edison)

JOHN MENZEL, ESQ.

Law Offices of John Menzel (Point Pleasant)

NORMA M. MURGADO, ESQ.

Chief Prosecutor (Elizabeth)

Assistant Prosecutor (Woodbridge)

Murgado & Carroll, Esq. (Elizabeth)

STEPHEN D. WILLIAMS, ESQ.

Law Offices of Stephen D. Williams (Flemington)

Who should attend:
• Judges & Prosecutors
• General practitioners
• Criminal law practitioners
• Municipal Court law practitioners
• Litigators
• New attorneys
• Members of law enforcement

Includes seminar, 400 page book, CD with over 1,000 pages of forms, dinner, coffee, desert Tuition ranges between $145- $189 depending on NJSBA membership Call Phone: (732)214-8500 Seminar # S962-21594

General Tuition $190.00

2011 Municipal Court College

S96200F1

Tuition Discounts

Enter your "Special Code" for your discount.

Members Co-Sponsoring Sections/Organizations

Save 25% (Special Code: COS)

NJSBA Members

Save 20% (Special Code: NJB)

NJSBA Members YLD

Save 25% (Special Code: YLD)

Recent admittees (past 2 years)

Save 15% (Special Code: YL)

Paralegals

Save 35% (Special Code: PAR)

NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 4.0 hours of total CLE credit. Of these, 4.0 qualify as hours of credit toward certification in criminal trial law.

Location: New Jersey Law Center

One Constitution Square

New Brunswick, NJ

732-214-8500

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

NJICLE, A Division of the NJSBA NJ State Bar Association

CAN'T ATTEND?

2010 MUNICIPAL COURT COLLEGE

Up to 12 of your 24 New Jersey MCLE credits can be earned via Audio CDs, Webinars & MP3s.

Order your audio package and earn New Jersey MCLE credits at your convenience.

KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC

ATTORNEY AT LAW

2053 Woodbridge Ave.

Edison, NJ 08817

(Phone) 732-572-0500

(Fax) 732-572-0030

http://www.njicle.com/category.aspx?catid=2115#5908

http://KennethVercammen.com/MUNICIPAL.COURT.COLLEGE.html

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

39:4-97.3 using cell phone in car Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicle; definitions; enforcement.

39:4-97.3 using cell phone in car Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicle; definitions; enforcement.

1. a. The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required safety equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this section, an "electronic communication device" shall not include an amateur radio.

Nothing in P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3 et seq.) shall apply to the use of a citizen's band radio or two-way radio by an operator of a moving commercial motor vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle on a public road or highway.

b.The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if:

(1)The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or

(2)The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hand-held wireless telephone user's telephone records or the testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities receiving such calls shall be deemed sufficient evidence of the existence of all lawful calls made under this paragraph.

As used in this act:

"Citizen's band radio" means a mobile communication device designed to allow for the transmission and receipt of radio communications on frequencies allocated for citizen's band radio service use.

"Hands-free wireless telephone" means a mobile telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone.

"Two-way radio" means two-way communications equipment that uses VHF frequencies approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

"Use" of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device shall include, but not be limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone, text messaging, or sending an electronic message via the wireless telephone or electronic communication device.

c.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.198).

d.A person who violates this section shall be fined $100.

e.No motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points pursuant to section 26 of P.L.1990, c.8 (C.17:33B-14) shall be assessed for this offense.

f.The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall develop and undertake a program to notify and inform the public as to the provisions of this act.

g.Whenever this section is used as an alternative offense in a plea agreement to any other offense in Title 39 of the Revised Statutes that would result in the assessment of motor vehicle points, the penalty shall be the same as the penalty for a violation of section 1 of P.L.2000, c.75 (C.39:4-97.2), including the surcharge imposed pursuant to subsection f. of that section, and a conviction under this section shall be considered a conviction under section 1 of P.L.2000, c.75 (C.39:4-97.2) for the purpose of determining subsequent enhanced penalties under that section.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

State v Holland, State v Pizzo, Remand on alcotest machine

State v Holland, State v Pizzo, Remand on alcotest machine


STATE OF NEW JERSEY, Plaintiff-Appellant,

v. NICOLE HOLLAND,

Defendant-Respondent. ___________________________

STATE OF NEW JERSEY, Plaintiff-Respondent,

v. KENNETH PIZZO, JR.,

Defendant-Appellant.

Argued February 8, 2011 - Decided April 5, 2011 Before Judges Parrillo, Yannotti and Skillman. On appeal from Superior Court of New Jersey, Law

Division, Monmouth 09-069 and 09-078.

County, Municipal Appeal Nos.

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION DOCKET NO. A-4384-09T3

A-4775-09T3

APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION April 5, 2011 APPELLATE DIVISION

Monica do Outeiro, cause for State of A-4384-09T3 and respondent in Docket No. A-4775-09T3 (Peter E. Warshaw, Jr., Monmouth County Prosecutor, attorney; Ms. Outeiro, of counsel and on the brief).

Assistant Prosecutor, argued the New Jersey, appellant in Docket No.

John Menzel argued the cause for appellant Kenneth Pizzo, Jr.

Alexander M. Iler argued the cause for respondent Nicole Holland (Law Offices of Alexander M. Iler, attorneys; Robert W. Ruggieri, of counsel; Mr. Iler, on the brief).

The opinion of the court was delivered by

PARRILLO, We granted leave to appeal in these two matters,

consolidated for the purposes of this opinion, to resolve a common issue: whether blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results derived from an Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C (Alcotest) breath-testing device are admissible against defendants in driving while intoxicated (DWI) prosecutions when the device has been calibrated with a Control Company, Inc. (Control Company) temperature probe, or thermometer, instead of the Ertco-Hart temperature probe referenced in State v. Chun, 194 N.J. 54, 89, 135, 152-53, cert. denied, ___ U.S. ___, 129 S. Ct. 158, 172 L. Ed. 2d 41 (2008).

Defendants Nicole Holland and Kenneth Pizzo were convicted in the municipal courts of Neptune City and Sea Girt, respectively, of per se violations of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50, among other motor vehicle offenses. Holland had moved to exclude the results of the Alcotest used to measure her BAC at 0.16% because the Alcotest was calibrated with a temperature probe

P.J.A.D.

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manufactured by a company other than Ertco-Hart. In the other matter, in anticipation of a similar motion, Pizzo requested a N.J.R.E. 104 hearing on the State's foundational proofs — specifically the various reports relating to calibration of the Alcotest machine, and further requested that the State provide missing documentation on the Alcotest device, which in his case produced a BAC reading of .15%. In both instances, the municipal court judge denied the motions, concluding in Holland's case that the Chun decision mandates the use of a NIST traceable thermometer and not necessarily one manufactured by Ertco-Hart, and in Pizzo's case that the State had complied with Chun's requirements. Holland subsequently entered a conditional guilty plea to DWI and Pizzo was convicted after a bench trial of a per se violation of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.

Both defendants appealed their municipal court convictions to the Law Division, where de novo reviews were conducted by different judges. In the Holland matter, the judge suppressed the Alcotest results for failure to provide a Draeger Safety, Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System Report of Calibration, NIST traceability as a requisite foundational document, and remanded the matter to municipal court for proceedings limited to observational proof of Holland's alleged intoxication. The Law Division judge further ruled that, before

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the State could use a temperature probe manufactured by a company other than Ertco-Hart, it was required to seek permission from the Supreme Court and submit proof of comparability in a Frye1 hearing.

The judge in the Pizzo matter reached the opposite conclusion, rejecting the defendant's argument that the Alcotest results were inadmissible solely because the State used a Control Company temperature probe, but remanded to the municipal court to conduct a N.J.R.E. 104 hearing on the State's failure to produce additional Alcotest device data previously requested by Pizzo and to determine whether the Control Company temperature probe was comparable to the Ertco-Hart probe.

We granted leave to appeal in both cases in the interest of justice. R. 2:2-4. However, before addressing the common issue raised in the State's and defendant Pizzo's appeals, we first review basic concepts regarding admissibility of Alcotest results as set forth in Chun, and the role of the NIST traceable temperature measuring system in calibrating a particular Alcotest device.

It has long been recognized that breath-testing devices, known as breathalyzers, are scientifically reliable and accurate instruments used for determining BAC. Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at

1 Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923). 4

A-4384-09T3

64. In fact, drivers whose breathalyzer test results exceed the statutory maximum BAC limit are guilty per se of DWI. Ibid. In order to admit the breathalyzer test results into evidence, the Court has required foundational proofs relating to the operation of the breathalyzer machine. Ibid. Over the years, the breathalyzer has become technologically outdated, resulting in the introduction of the Alcotest. Ibid. The Alcotest generates an Alcohol Influence Report (AIR), which provides an individual's BAC. Id. at 79, 82-83. The Alcotest is manufactured and marketed by Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc. (Draeger). Id. at 66.

Chun held that the novel Alcotest, utilizing New Jersey Firmware version 3.11, is "generally scientifically reliable," subject to certain conditions established by the Court. Id. at 65. Thus, "as a precondition for admissibility of the results of a breathalyzer, the State [is] required to establish that: (1) the device was in working order and had been inspected according to procedure; (2) the operator was certified; and (3) the test was administered according to official procedure." Id. at 134. The State must "clearly establish" these preconditions to admissibility. Id. at 92.

Having deemed the instrument reliable in general, the Court then explained how to determine whether the device was in

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"proper working order" in a particular case. Id. at 154. To that end, the State must enter into evidence three core foundational documents, none of which pertain to the temperature

measuring

device at issue here:

(1) the most recent Calibration Report prior to a defendant's test, including control tests, linearity tests, and the credentials of the coordinator who performed the calibration; (2) the most recent New Standard Solution Report prior to a defendant's test; and (3) the Certificate of Analysis of the 0.10 Simulator Solution used in a defendant's control tests.

[Ibid.] Calibration of the Alcotest during installation, and periodic re-calibration to ensure good working order, is a core element of proof in the accuracy determination, id. at 134, 153, and thus the Chun Court has required introduction of the most recent calibration report prior to admitting Alcotest results into evidence. Id. at 142, 145.

Chun described the calibration process as follows:

Calibration of the machines involves attaching the machine to an external simulator which uses a variety of solutions of known alcohol concentrations to create vapors that approximate human breath. By exposing the . . . mechanisms to these differing concentrations, and by analyzing the device's ability to identify accurately each of those samples within the acceptable range of tolerance, referred to as a linearity test, the coordinator is able to

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ensure that the machine is correctly calibrated.

[Id. at 84.] In its description of the calibration process, the Court did not specifically consider the Ertco-Hart temperature probe. However, the Special Master explained the calibration process in greater detail, Findings and Conclusions of Remand Court, Feb. 13, 2007, reprinted in 2007 N.J. Lexis 39 (Special Master's

Report), noting that "[t]o measure the temperature simulator solution, the [State Police] coordinator Ertco-Hart digital NIST thermometer." Id. at 139.

of the uses an

Specifically, the calibration process involves the running of several sets of tests, which results in the printing of related reports: the Part I Control Tests, the Part II Linearity Tests, the Solution Change Report and the Calibration Record. Prior to commencing these tests, the testing coordinator will prepare several alcohol solutions. The first is a 0.10% alcohol solution for the control tests. Id. at 45. The others are 0.04%, 0.08% and 0.16% alcohol solutions for the linearity tests. Ibid. Each of these solutions must be heated to thirty- four degrees Celsius (plus or minus 0.2 degrees), the average range of human breath, which will create vapors that approximate human breath and provide for successful calibration. Id. at 45, 286. To do so, the coordinator will allow each solution to heat

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for approximately one hour and then ensure that they have reached the appropriate temperature using an external NIST traceable temperature probe.2 Id. at 45, 138-39. Thus, the temperature probe is used to ensure the appropriate temperature of the solutions prior to the commencement of calibration of the Alcotest machine. Id. at 45-46.

Once the coordinator has determined that the alcohol solutions have reached their appropriate temperatures, the coordinator will begin calibration. Again, neither the Ertco- Hart nor Control Company probe is a part of the Alcotest device — it is used only to determine the temperature of the solutions before they are put into the Alcotest machine.3 First, the

2 NIST refers to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is responsible for establishing, maintaining and publishing basic standards of measurement consistent with their international counterparts. Special Master's Report, supra, at 45.

3 Significant for present purposes, there are other temperature probes, distinct from the temperature measuring device — whether made by Ertco-Hart or Control Company — used by the coordinator in initial calibration, see Special Master's Report, supra, at 138-39, that are integral to the calibration process itself and are not here in issue. One such probe is the "black key temperature probe" used by the testing coordinator to gain access to the calibration process. Id. at 138; see also Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 83. Additionally, the Alcotest device itself contains a temperature probe within the machine. Special Master's Report, supra, at 35; Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 105 n.24 ("There are several temperature devices related to the Alcotest. One, which is an integral part of each device, and the report of which is included on the AIR, heats the simulator solution in

(continued)

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coordinator will gain access to the Alcotest with the coordinator's black key temperature probe and conduct a control test with the 0.10% simulator solution. Id. at 45, 138. If the results of this test are not within the requisite range, the Alcotest will prompt the coordinator to repeat the control test with a new 0.10% simulator solution. If, on the other hand, the results are acceptable, the Part I Control Test certificate is printed. This document records the temperature of the 0.10% simulator solution as measured during the test — separate from the temperature recorded by the coordinator with the Control Company, or Ertco-Hart, probe during pre-calibration preparations. Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 105 n.24.

The coordinator will then conduct two linearity tests on each of the three different simulator solutions of 0.04%, 0.08% and 0.16% by again using the coordinator's black key temperature probe. Special Master's Report, supra, at 45-46. If the results of the linearity tests are not acceptable, the Alcotest is placed out of service. If, on the other hand, the results are acceptable, the Part II Linearity Tests certificate is printed. Also contained on this certificate are the

(continued) the control test both in the device and, by extension, in the calibration process. Another heats the breath tube, but not the subject's actual breath sample, to prevent condensation.").

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temperatures of the three solutions as measured during the test — again separate from that measured by either the Ertco-Hart or Control Company probe during pre-calibration preparations. Lastly, the coordinator uses a solution to generate a Solution Change Report, which will complete the calibration test sequence and print a calibration record. Id. at 46.

In order to enable a defendant to challenge the functionality or operability of the device, the State must also disclose in discovery, in addition to the three "core" documents admitted into evidence, certain other "foundational" documents, which "might reveal some possible flaw in the operation of the particular device." Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 148. The twelve non-core foundational documents, some of which pertain to the accuracy of the temperature probes, consist of:

(1) Calibrating Unit, New Standard Solution Report, most recent change, and the operator's credentials of the officer who performed that change; (2) Certificate of Analysis 0.10 Percent Solution used in New Solution Report; (3) Draeger Safety Certificate of Accuracy Alcotest CU34 Simulator; (4) Draeger Safety Certificate of Accuracy Alcotest 7110 Temperature Probe; (5) Draeger Safety Certificate of Accuracy Alcotest 7110 Instrument (unless more relevant NJ Calibration Records (including both Parts I and II are offered)); (6) Calibration Check (including both control tests and linearity tests and the credentials of the operator/coordinator who performed the tests); (7) Certificate of Analysis 0.10 Percent Solution (used in

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Calibration-Control); (8) Certificate of Analysis 0.04, 0.08, and 0.16 Percent Solution (used in Calibration-Linearity); (9) Calibrating Unit, New Standard Solution Report, following Calibration; (10) Draeger Safety Certificate of Accuracy Alcotest CU34 Simulator for the three simulators used in the 0.04, 0.08, and 0.16 percent solutions when conducting the Calibration-Linearity tests; (11) Draeger Safety Certificate of Accuracy Alcotest 7110 Temperature Probe used in the Calibration tests; and (12) Draeger Safety, Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System Report of Calibration, NIST traceability.

[Id. at 134-35, 153.] These documents, including, most notably for present

purposes, the Draeger Safety, Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System Report of Calibration, NIST traceability4 "are not fundamentally a part of demonstrating that the particular device was in good working order." Id. at 144-45. Characterized as "tests of tests and, therefore . . . too attenuated[,]" they are not essential to establish admissibility. Id. at 144. Rather, they are produced in discovery to allow a defendant to challenge the "accuracy of the device used and the chemical composition of solutions used to

4 Specifically, the Chun Court requires that a State Police coordinator re-calibrate the Alcotest device once every six months as evidenced by a "Draeger Safety, Ertco-Hart Calibration Report," certifying the reliability of the temperature probe, which must be produced during discovery as one of numerous foundational documents prior to admission of the Alcotest results. Id. at 153.

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routinely n.47. To

test and calibrate the machine." Id. at 142, 144 that end:

[I]n the event that any defendant perceives of an irregularity in any of these documents that might affect the proper operation of the device in question, timely issuance of a subpoena will suffice for purposes of protecting that defendant's rights. Were the use of the subpoena power to become routine, we would commend to the parties, with the assistance of our municipal courts, the use of pretrial de bene esse depositions or video conferencing technology to reduce the burden on the State or any independent testing laboratories.

[Id. at 144 n.47 (emphasis added).] However, "[a]bsent a pre-trial challenge to the admissibility of the AIR based on one of the other foundational documents produced in discovery, [the Court] perceive[d] of no reason to require that they be made a part of the record routinely." Id. at 145.

The present issue arises because testing coordinators in these two matters used a Control Company probe to confirm the appropriate temperature of the alcohol solutions, rather than the Ertco-Hart device referred to in Chun.5 Thus, in both cases,

5 In Holland's case, the Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C was successfully calibrated on May 26, 2009 by a certified State Police Breath Test Coordinator, and produced a BAC reading of 0.16% on June 24, 2009. As for Pizzo, the Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C was successfully calibrated on March 6, 2009 by a certified State

(continued)

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instead of producing in discovery a "Draeger Safety Ertco-Hart Calibration Report" as set forth in an order appended to the Chun opinion, the State produced a Control Company "Traceable Certificate of Calibration for Digital Thermometer," which is the manufacturer's own certification of the measuring system's accuracy. Consequently, both defendants argued that the results rendered by the Alcotest machine in their respective cases should have been excluded because a condition established in the Chun order was not satisfied. The Law Division judge in the Holland matter agreed, concluding that only Draeger's Ertco-Hart Calibration report — a non-core document — could satisfy the Chun Court's foundational requirements for admission of Alcotest results. We disagree. In our view, the AIR is not rendered inadmissible as an automatic consequence of the State's failure to produce a non-core foundational document.

Granted, the Chun Court mentioned "Ertco-Hart" several times in requiring foundational documents identifying the temperature probe by serial number in the calibration reports, inclusion of that serial number in the firmware of the temperature measuring system, and production of the temperature

(continued) Police Breath Test Coordinator, and produced a BAC reading of 0.15% on May 25, 2009.

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probe's NIST traceable certification.6 We do not read these references too strictly or literally as a mandate that only the

6 Specifically, there are four such references:

[T]he parties agree . . . that future calibration, certification and linearity reports should include the serial number of the Ertco-Hart digital temperature measuring system utilized in performing those testing and maintenance operations (Special Master's Finding 2(i)).

....

. . . [T]he Special Master recommended that certain documents, which he referred to as the "foundational documents," be produced during discovery and that they be admitted into evidence as part of the State's case- in-chief. The documents in question can be described as follows: . . . (12) Draeger Safety, Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System Report of Calibration, NIST traceability.

....

G. The firmware shall be programmed to include the serial number of the Ertco-Hart digital temperature measuring system utilized as a part of each calibration, certification and linearity report;

....

3. ORDERED that the State shall forthwith . . . [p]roduce in discovery the twelve foundation documents identified by the Special Master as follows: . . . (12) Draeger Safety Ertco-Hart Calibration Report.

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(continued) A-4384-09T3

Ertco-Hart device be used, but rather as a facile means of identifying the temperature probe used to calibrate the Alcotest machine in Chun, and as distinguished from the other thermometers employed in the calibration process.

Nowhere in Chun or its accompanying order did the Court expressly state that only the Ertco-Hart device, to the exclusion of all others, was acceptable. On the contrary, the Chun Court adopted as modified the Special Master's Report, which described the calibration process as involving a "NIST- traceable temperature probe monitor[ing] the temperature of the simulator solution." Special Master's Report, supra, at 45 (emphasis added). Indeed, the Special Master advised the Court that "[t]he revised firmware shall require that the Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System or other similar devices traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology is in proper operating condition and that the serial number of such devices be listed on all reports where . . . relevant." Id. at 272. (emphasis added).

There is no discussion in Chun of the uniqueness or significance of Ertco-Hart as the manufacturer of the

(continued) [Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 89, 134-35, 152-53 (emphasis added).]

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temperature probe, and its only discernable characteristic appears to be certification of NIST traceability, which the Control Company probe also possesses. In other words, the emphasis is on NIST traceability as opposed to brand name. See ibid. Thus, we conclude that the Ertco-Hart references in Chun are merely identifiers explaining the necessary firmware modifications and foundational documents required with respect to one temperature probe (the one used to determine the alcohol solution temperatures during the calibration process), separate and apart from the Alcotest machine's internal temperature probe and the coordinator's black key probe.

We have in the past embraced a practical application of the requirements for admission of breath-test results so as not to "create an unduly and . . . unintended restriction on the State's ability to prosecute DWI cases." State v. Ugrovics, 410 N.J. Super. 482, 488-89 (App. Div. 2009), certif. denied, 202 N.J. 346 (2010). There, the defendant claimed that the Court's use of the term "operator" in Chun prohibited any individual other than a certified Alcotest operator from observing a driver during a required "observation" period. Id. at 488-90. We disagreed, rejecting "a literal, unexamined application of such language [that] would create an unduly and . . . unintended

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restriction on the State's ability to prosecute DWI cases based on the results of an Alcotest." Id. at 489.

Courts have also rejected limiting BAC results to those obtained using specifically manufactured machines. See State v. Samarel, 231 N.J. Super. 134, 140 (App. Div. 1989). In Romano v. Kimmelman, 96 N.J. 66 (1984), the Court upheld the reliability of the "Smith and Wesson Breathalyzer Model 900." Id. at 72, 82. Later, after the State began to replace the Smith and Wesson with a Draeger Breathalyzer Model 900, a driver charged with DWI challenged the driver's BAC results obtained using the Draeger breathalyzer machine because it was not manufactured by Smith and Wesson as referred to by the Romano Court. Samarel, supra, 231 N.J. Super. at 140. There, we rejected the "defendant's argument that the Supreme Court has approved the use of Smith and Wesson's breathalyzer model 900 to the exclusion of other manufacturers' breathalyzer models 900." Ibid. Similarly, in State v. Laurick, 231 N.J. Super. 464 (App. Div. 1989) rev'd on other grounds, 120 N.J. 1, cert. denied, 498 U.S. 967, 111 S. Ct. 429, 112 L. Ed. 2d 413 (1990), we held that the Romano Court did not intend to limit its reliability findings to specific breathalyzer manufactures because such a reading of Romano would create "an absurd result." Id. at 471 n.1, 472-73.

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Because the use of another manufacturer's temperature probe to calibrate the Alcotest machine does not alone compel exclusion of test results, we reverse the contrary finding of the Law Division judge in the Holland matter. Of course, the fact that the Alcotest results are not rendered automatically inadmissible thereby does not end the inquiry. Although the Alcotest machine has been found to be generally reliable, the State still bears the burden of demonstrating the "proper working order" of the device. As noted, this is accomplished by introducing into evidence the three core foundational documents, Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 154, which the State had done in both the Holland and Pizzo matters. In other words, the State may meet its initial burden to support the admissibility of Alcotest results without reference to the calibration of the temperature probe. Thus, once the State has introduced the core documents into evidence and produced the other foundational documents in discovery, the burden of production shifts to the defendant to show why the machine was not in working order, namely, apropos to the present matters, whether and how the differences in the temperature probes had any impact at all. Absent further evidence in this regard, we discern no impediment to the admission of the Alcotest results as the State would have

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satisfied its ultimate burden of persuasion as to the device's reliability and accuracy.

Based on the foundational document itself, Holland raised sufficient questions as to the reliability of the Control Company's probe to warrant further inquiry. Specifically, the device was calibrated on May 26, 2009, by a State Police coordinator using a Control Company temperature probe with a serial number DDXAP2-149. During discovery, the State provided the Control Company Traceable Certificate of Calibration for Digital Thermometer as a foundational document, demonstrating the reliability of the temperature probe. However, contained on this certification are numerous serial numbers and "due dates," including a March 6, 2009 due date for temperature probe serial number 149. Although unexplained, the due date may possibly be the date the probe is due for re-certification.

Holland raised this issue in the municipal court, contending that the certification and calibration reports revealed that during the May 26, 2009 calibration, the testing coordinator used an expired temperature probe, which came due for re-certification on March 6, 2009. However, the parties could not explain with certainty the use of the phrase "due date," nor the existence of a November 18, 2008 "Cal Date" and November 18, 2010 "Cal Due." Relying on those entries, however,

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Holland interpreted the Control Company calibration certificate to require calibration of its temperature probe every two years. Nevertheless, the municipal court could not determine whether the certificate's "Cal Date: 11/18/08" and "Cal Due: 11/18/10" was applicable to the temperature probe, or the due date of March 6, 2009 for serial number 149 rendered it unreliable.7 Later, on appeal to the Law Division, Holland raised the issue again, asserting that there were "some questions about what certain terms meant on [the] calibration certificate . . . [a]nd certain dates."

Satisfied that the Alcotest results were automatically excluded by reason alone of the difference in manufacturer, the Law Division judge left the questions raised by defendant unanswered. Yet, as part of its ultimate burden to clearly establish the good working order of the device, the onus of

7 Pursuant to Chun's direction that "in the event that any defendant perceives of an irregularity in any of [the foundational] documents that might affect the proper operation of the device in question, timely issuance of a subpoena will suffice for purposes of protecting that defendant's rights[,]" Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 144, the municipal court judge granted an adjournment so that Holland could depose Wallace Berry, the technical manager at Control Company whose signature appears on the certificate. Prior to the next hearing, Holland subpoenaed Berry for a video deposition, but Control Company, a Texas corporation, declined to produce Berry for the deposition. The municipal court judge ultimately determined that he was unable to assert jurisdiction over Berry to compel Berry's appearance as an out-of-state witness.

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explaining any facial irregularity in the foundational documents that might affect the proper operation of the device in question lay with the State. Chun, supra, 194 N.J. at 92, 144 n.47. Therefore, we are constrained to remand to the Law Division to determine, among other issues validly raised by defendant Holland,8 whether the Control Company temperature probe was properly certified on May 26, 2009, pursuant to the Traceable Certificate of Calibration for Digital Thermometer.

8 The trial judge cited other differences between the Ertco-Hart Digital Temperature Measuring System Report of Calibration, NIST traceability and the Control Company Traceable Certificate of Calibration for Digital Thermometer:

In fact, the evidence before this court shows that there are differences between the two temperature probes. First, Control Company, Inc. requires that the temperature probe be tested every two years, while the Draeger Safety temperature probe requires testing every twelve months. Second, the certificate from the Control Company states the following: ". . . there is no exact way to determine how long calibration will be maintained." However, the Draeger Safety certification for the digital temperature probe does not contain this language. This court finds that the differences stated above in conjunction with the fact that there was no expert testimony regarding its functionality, leaves this court to question whether this device can properly test the operating capability of the Alcotest machine.

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We reach the same result, as did the other Law Division judge, in the Pizzo matter. There, the court found that although Chun did not preclude the use of any similar digital thermometer traceable to NIST, "the record below is insufficient to support a finding that the digital thermometer used in this matter was in fact comparable to the Ertco-Hart thermometer." Consequently, the judge remanded the case to the municipal court for a N.J.R.E. 104 hearing on the reliability of the Control Company temperature probe and, separately, on a discovery issue involving missing Alcotest machine data not produced by the State and previously raised by the defendant below. The State did not cross-appeal from that remand order. In fact, the State has represented that it will be able to demonstrate that its change of manufacturer "holds no significance" and that "the Control Company, Inc., temperature probe is comparable to its Ertco-Hart-manufactured counterpart and meets the Special Master's requirement of traceability to internationally- recognized NIST standards."

We, therefore, agree for reasons previously stated with regard to the Holland matter that a remand is also indicated as to defendant Pizzo. We direct, however, that these two matters be consolidated and remanded to the Law Division for a hearing before a single judge to be designated by the Assignment Judge

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of Monmouth County to establish the reliability of the Alcotest results and the validity of the Traceable Certificate of Calibration for Digital Thermometer at the time of the Alcotest's calibration in each case. We further direct that the hearing is to be conducted within sixty days, with notice to the Attorney General, and findings of fact and conclusions of law rendered forthwith thereafter. We retain jurisdiction.

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Friday, April 1, 2011

Car Accident Victims Rights - Insurance to Pay Medical Bills

Kenneth Vercammen & Associates Law Office helps people injured due to the negligence of others. We provide representation throughout New Jersey. The insurance companies will not help. Don't give up! Our Law Office can provide experienced attorney representation if you are injured in an accident and suffer a Serious Injury.

ACCIDENT VICTIMS RIGHTS REQUIRING INSURANCE TO PAY FOR MEDICAL/ CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT

If injured in a car accident, it is important to immediately seek hospital and medical or chiropractic treatment. Under the New Jersey No Fault Act, car insurance companies are supposed to make timely payment of medical bills for the driver and passengers injured in their cars or other non-commercial vehicles. Doctors should let their patients know there are now minimum deductibles under the NJ Car No Fault Law (PIP). The following is helpful information for injured people and their doctors to obtain payment for bills.

1 Bills should be submitted to PIP & also to Major Medical and to Patient The medical provider must first submit the unpaid bills to the patient's car insurance carrier Personal Injury Protection (PIP carrier), and/or any Blue Cross/Blue Shield or other related medical provider, and fill out any documents required by the insurance company.

2. Deductibles There is an initial $250.00 deductible, and thereafter the car insurance company pays 80% of medical bills under a medical fee schedule established by the State Dept. of Insurance. After $5,000 the car insurance company pays 100% under the fee schedule, unless an independent medical exam (IME) recommends no further treatment. We recommend doctors adequately notify patients that they are the primary responsible person for payment, not insurance companies. They are also called the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits under the No Fault Law. For unpaid portions after 80% or under the deductible, the chiropractor and also patient should submit portions of bills the car insurance does not pay to their major medical carrier (ex- Blue Cross, Connecticut General). Patients must be told that if they have the lawsuit/ verbal threshold, they cannot even sue the negligent driver for their unpaid medical bills.

3. 21 day notification to PIP A State Law signed in January, 1996 requires automobile insurers to be notified by the claimant or medical provider in writing within 21 days following commencement of treatment of injuries sustained in an accident for which personal injury protection medical expense benefits are claimed. NJSA 39:6A-5(b) In addition, under this new law P.L. 1995, c 407, every bill for such treatment shall be submitted to the insurer and submitted by the medical provider if within 30 days of the date that treatment was rendered. N.J.S.A. 39:6A-5E (a) If the treating doctor does not give proper notification, the insurer can reserve the right to deny payment of the claim, and the treatment provider is prohibited from seeking a payment directly from the insured NJSA 39:6A-5(d) New Jersey Auto Insurance Law p 157 (GANN 2000). It is highly recommended that all doctors, hospitals, MRI facilities and physical therapy centers also send complete copies of all bills to the patient. Unfortunately, too often doctors or MRI facilities fail to advise patients of high unpaid bills, then put the patient in collection after the case is over for the unpaid bill.

Patients should submit copies of all bills to your car insurance company even if they believe the doctor or medical providers may also have submitted the bill to PIP. The patient should later send the bill to major medical. If the doctor's office and injured person does not keep their attorney's office informed in writing of unpaid medical bills, the attorney will not have sufficient information to provide to the defendant's insurance company and the Court when trying to settle a case.

4. New Care paths in Car Accident Cases Starting in 1999, all medical providers must follow "care paths" and most non emergency treatment approved by the car insurance company. Please make sure all treatment and bills are pre- approved by the car insurance company. The treating doctor should also contact the car insurance company prior to MRI or extensive treatment.

5. Dispute Resolution to require Payment of Doctor and MRI Bills following a car accident The intent of the no fault statute is to require speedy payment of hospital and doctor bills and prevent delay by insurance companies. An aggrieved personal injury protection claimant is entitled to receive "prompt payment of medical expenses, lost wages, essential services, survivor benefits and funeral expenses... without having to wait the outcome of protracted litigation." Kubiak v. Allstate Insurance Co., 198 N.J. Super. 115, 119 (App. Div. 1984), cert. den. 101 N.J. 290; Hoqlin v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., 144 N.J. Super. 475, 479 (App. Div. 1976). This, together with the right to interest on overdue payments (then N.J.S.A. 39:6A 5(c)) and the ability under Rule 4:42 9(a)(6) to recover counsel fees if successful in the action should sufficiently guard against situations where an injured party is subjected to protracted aggravated consequences because of an insurer's failure to pay. Kubiak 198 N.J. Super. 119 120.

Disputes between the insurer and claimant as to whether or not benefits are due under the PIP statute may be resolved, at the election of either the claimant or the insurer, either by binding arbitration or by civil litigation. NJSA 39:6A-5(i) and NJSA 39:6A-5.1a, New Jersey Auto Insurance Law p 159 (GANN 2000) If the insurance company continues to delay and fails to pay medical benefits, the insured can either file suit in the Superior Court or file a demand for dispute resolution with American Arbitration Association. In New Jersey their office is located 1 Executive Drive, Somerset, New Jersey 08873. Filing fees are $325, paid by either the doctor/treatment provider or the patient. The check should be payable to the American Arbitration Association.

5a. NJSA 39:6A-5.1 sets forth in detail how AAA dispute resolution proceeds Dispute resolution proceedings shall include disputes arising regarding medical expense benefits provided under PIP law and disputes as to additional first party coverage benefits required to be offered. Disputes involving medical expense benefits may include, but not necessarily be limited to, matters concerning (1) interpretation of the insurance contract; (2) whether the treatment or health care service which is the subject of the dispute resolution proceeding is in accordance with the provisions pip law or the terms of the policy; (3) the eligibility of the treatment or service for compensation; (4) the eligibility of the provider performing the treatment or service to be compensated under the terms of the policy or under regulations promulgated by the commissioner, including whether the person is licensed or certified to perform such treatment; (5) whether the disputed medical treatment was actually performed; (6) whether diagnostic tests performed in connection with the treatment are those recognized by the commissioner; (7) the necessity or appropriateness of consultations by other health are providers; (8) disputes involving application of and adherence to fee schedules promulgated by the commissioner; and (9) whether the treatment performed is reasonable, necessary, and compatible with the protocols provided for pursuant to P.L.1998, c.21 (C.39:6A-1.1 et al.).

The dispute resolution professionals may review the entire claims file of the insurer, subject to any confidentiality requirement established pursuant to State of federal law. All decisions of the dispute resolution professional shall be in writing, in a form prescribed by the commissioner, shall state the issues in dispute, the findings and conclusions on which the decision is based, and shall be signed by the dispute resolution professional. All decisions of a dispute resolution professional shall be binding. The dispute resolution organization shall provide for the retention of all documents used in dispute resolution proceedings under this section and section 25 of this amendatory and supplementary act, including the written decision for a period of at least five years, in a form provided by the commissioner, or such additional time as may be established by the commissioner. The written decisions of the dispute resolution professional shall be forwarded to the commissioner, who shall establish a record of the proceedings conducted under the dispute resolution procedure, which shall be accessible to the public and may be used as guidance in subsequent dispute resolution proceedings.

Under the pre-1999 no fault law, AAA arbitrations were heard by a single arbitrator chosen by AAA. The arbitrator would fix the time and place for each oral hearing. Persons having a direct interest in the arbitration are entitled to attend hearings. Parties may offer such evidence as is relevant and material and shall produce such additional evidence as the arbitrator may deem necessary to an understanding and determination of the dispute. The arbitrator may subpoena witnesses or documents on his own initiative or upon the request of any party. The arbitrator shall be the judge of the relevancy and the materiality of the evidence offered, and conforming to legal Rules of Evidence is not necessary. An arbitrator may receive and consider the evidence of witnesses by affidavit, but it shall give it only such weight as the arbitrator deems it entitled to after consideration of any objections made to its admission.

more info at http://www.kennethvercammen.com/accident_victims_rights.html?id=417&a=