STATE v. BARBER (1997)

The state appeals from a pretrial order suppressing the results of field sobriety tests defendant performed during a lawful stop for driving under the influence of intoxicants.  ORS 813.010.   The trial court suppressed that evidence based on its conclusion that “an officer must have probable cause and exigent circumstances prior to asking a subject to perform field sobriety tests” and its determination that the requesting officer lacked subjective probable cause.   In so holding, the court expressly rejected the state's contention that “defendant's consent allows an officer to administer field sobriety tests without probable cause.”   Given that disposition, the trial court made no findings, and rendered no determination, as to whether defendant did, in fact, voluntarily consent to perform the tests.

The trial court's legal premise was incorrect.   In State v. Ramos, 149 Or.App. 269, 272, 942 P.2d 841 (1997), we held that “consent is a valid exception to the warrant requirement and that probable cause is not a necessary prerequisite to asking a defendant for consent to perform field sobriety tests in the context of a DUII stop.”  (Emphasis in original.)   On this record, there remain unresolved factual questions pertaining to whether defendant's performance of the tests was voluntary.   Accordingly, we reverse and remand for the trial court to address those matters.   Compare Ramos, 149 Or.App. at 273, 942 P.2d 841 (concluding “on the undisputed evidence in the record” that defendant's consent was voluntary).

Reversed and remanded.

 HASELTON, Judge.