People v. Dickinson

On February 1, 1977, a Colorado state patrolman served the respondent Dickinson with a county court summons and complaint charging: (1) one count of driving a vehicle “while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs” in violation of section 42-4-1202, C.R.S. 1973; and (2) one count of careless driving in violation of section 42-4-1204, C.R.S. 1973.

Trial was to a jury on July 27, 1977. After the People had presented their case, the respondent moved for a judgment of acquittal on the grounds that count one, alleging driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, was…