In a tedious session of Batesville Municipal Court on Wednesday, Judge Pro Tempore Jay Westfaul postponed ruling on a DUI case until he can talk to the Attorney General’s office concerning the state’s newly implemented DUI breath analysis procedures.

Albert G. Barnett of 119 Dabney St., Batesville, was charged April 3 with DUI-refusal, meaning he allegedly refused to submit to the Intoxilyzer 8000 computerized breath test at the Batesville Police Department.

His attorney, Tom Womble, brought to the court’s attention that the new system, in use for about a month, does not provide the defendant with a paper document outlining steps in the test procedure. The steps are on the computer screen and read by the police officer administering the test.

The new test also requires two breath samples. Sgt. Billy Sossaman testified that Barnett gave only one sample, so the test was never completed and that resulted in the "refusal" charge.

Judge Westfaul said he would rule at an unspecified later date.

In another DUI case, Rowdy Wayne Griffin of 2561 Highway 322, Batesville, testified that he was not driving the vehicle the night he and friends were stopped at the Exxon station on Highway 6 East.

Griffin told the judge that his friend had been driving and had jumped out when he stopped, and Griffin had slid over into the driver’s seat because he feared his friend’s job would be in jeopardy if he got a DUI.

"You were sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle," Judge Westfaul said, "I have no choice but to find you guilty."

McElwain Adair of 228 M. L. King Drive, Batesville, pleaded guilty to petit larceny and was fined $295.

Hulet Lee Peagues of CR 217 231 Campground, Oxford, was found guilty of contempt of court for fines dating back to July of 2000. He was ordered to have $383 paid in full by Wednesday, May 18, or face 15 days in jail.

Kianna Kandice Leland of 103 Queen St., Batesville, was fined $113 for speeding and was enrolled in the adult driving school which will allow the ticket to be stricken from her driving record.

Jason Thomas Brooks of 1335 Dunleith Place, Jackson, pleaded guilty to speeding and was enrolled in the young drivers school. If he successfully completes the course his fine will be waived.

Shawndarryl Daniel of 416 Juanita St., Sardis, was found guilty of no driver’s license, but Judge Westfaul reduced the fine to $130 since Daniel now has his learner’s permit.

Robert Steven Holmes Jr. of 786 Snowden Circle, Memphis, had his expired tag charge dismissed after he showed Judge Westfaul the receipt for his tag, purchased after he received the ticket.

Dorothy Jean Elliott, 15430 Ballentine Rd., Sardis, produced proof that she has auto insurance and had her fine for no proof of insurance reduced to $155.

Lee Andrew Crump of 1879 Highway 51 North, Sardis, was fined $635 for running a stop sign, driving while his license is suspended and no proof of insurance. He had provided proof that he now has insurance, so that portion of his fine was reduced from $1,055 to $155.

Robert Calvin Harris of 412-B Alcorn St., Sardis, was fined $1,920 for no tag, no proof of insurance, and driving while his license is suspended (under the implied consent law).

Roy Lee Gardner of 104 Gore St., Batesville, is to appear back in court next Wednesday for a trial on charges of running a stop sign, driving while his license is suspended and contempt of court for an old fine.

Teresa Ann Peeples of P.O. Box 271, Greenville, was fined $270 for no child restraint and no proof of insurance. She provided proof that she now has auto insurance and the judge lowered her original fine.

Jonathan Lynn Bratton of 35 Business 7 North, Abbeville, pleaded guilty to speeding and was enrolled in the adult driving school.

Jerry Pearson of 116 Price Hill Road, Oxford, contested a speeding charge and had a trial date set for June 1.

Demitra Lee will have a trial on May 18. She is contesting charges of following too closely, driving while her license is suspended and no proof of insurance.