State v. Mata

OPINION OF THE COURT BY

PADGETT, J.

These are appeals from two cases tried on consecutive days. Defendant-Appellant Ronald Mata (Mata) was charged with, and convicted of, driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor in violation of HRS § 291-4(a)(l) and (2). Defendant-Appellant Santos Ancheta (Ancheta) was charged and convicted of driving under the influence in violation of HRS § 291-4(a)(l) only. The same judge presided over both trials. The appellants were represented by the same firm of attorneys. Virtually identical motions for disqualification of the trial judge were filed, and…