People v. Teschner

The question presented in this appeal is whether a defendant’s mental state is an element of the offense of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

The facts of this case are simple and straightforward. Defendant, Paul A. Teschner, was charged by a uniform Illinois citation and complaint with the offense of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor in violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 95%, par. 11 — 501). Defendant moved to dismiss the complaint, alleging that it failed to charge defendant acted with a requisite mental state. The trial court…