State v. Turpin

Defendant Virginia Turpin's automobile crossed the center line on State Highway 195 south of Colton and collided with another vehicle at approximately 9:30 p.m. on August 8, 1977. The driver of the other car died in the crash. State Highway Patrol Sergeant Brackin arrived at the scene at 10:25 p.m. In extricating defendant from her vehicle, in which she was pinned, Sergeant Brackin smelled alcohol on her breath.

Defendant was taken to a hospital in Pullman with multiple injuries. Sergeant Brackin, after interviewing witnesses at the scene, went to the Pullman hospital emergency room. Ms.…