Texas Department of Public Safety v. Cody Littlepage ( 2015 )


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  •                                                                                          ACCEPTED
    03-14-00194-CV
    3879773
    THIRD COURT OF APPEALS
    AUSTIN, TEXAS
    1/23/2015 1:51:49 PM
    JEFFREY D. KYLE
    CLERK
    FILED IN
    No. 03-14-00194-CV              3rd COURT OF APPEALS
    AUSTIN, TEXAS
    1/23/2015 1:51:49 PM
    JEFFREY D. KYLE
    Clerk
    In the Court of Appeals
    Third District of Texas — Austin
    TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
    Appellant
    V.
    CODY LITTLEPAGE,
    Appellee
    Appealed from County Court at Law Number 2, Williamson
    County, Texas; Before the Honorable Timothy Wright
    APPELLEE’S BRIEF
    Amber D. Farrelly
    Texas Bar No. 24069671
    BAIRD☆FARRELLY CRIMINAL DEFENSE, PLLC
    2312 Western Trails Blvd Ste. 102-A
    Austin, TX 78745
    Tel. 512-804-5911
    adfelaw@gmail.com
    Attorney for Appellee, Cody Littlepage
    ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
    1
    No. 03-14-00194-CV
    TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
    Appellant
    V.
    CODY LITTLEPAGE,
    Appellee
    REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT
    Appellee, Cody Littlepage, believes that oral argument might benefit the Court
    in this case and respectfully requests that it be granted.
    2
    TABLE OF CONTENTS
    REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT……………………………………………....2
    TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………..…3
    INDEX OF AUTHORITIES…………………………………………………….……4
    INDEX OF ABBREVIATIONS………………………………………………...……5
    STATEMENT ON ORAL ARGUMENT………………………………….…………6
    APPELLEE’S BRIEF………………………………………………………….……..7
    STATEMENT OF FACTS………………………………………………..………….8
    SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT…………………………………………..…….9
    CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………...…23
    PRAYER………………………………………………………………………….…23
    CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE……………………………………………..…24
    CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE…………………………………………………...…25
    INDEX OF APPENDICES…………………………………………………….……26
    3
    INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
    CONSTITUTIONS
    U.S. CONST. Amend. V, VI, XIV
    Tex. Const. art. I, §10 and 19
    STATUTES
    Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794
    The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101
    TEX. TRANS. CODE § 724.015
    TEX. TRANS. CODE § 724.032
    TEX. TRANS. CODE § 724.042
    CASES
    Erdman v. State, 
    861 S.W.2d 890
    , 893 (Tex.Crim.App. 1993)……………………..16
    Ex parte Ard, No. AP-75,704, slip op. at 2,
    (Tex.Crim.App. March 11, 2009)(opinion not designated for publication)….…....10
    Ex parte Reed, 
    271 S.W.3d 698
    , 727 (Tex.Crim.App. 2008)………………..…….…9
    Landin v. Tex. Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 
    475 S.W.2d 594
     (Tex.Civ.App.—Dallas 1971, no writ)………………………………………….....19
    Lane v. State, 
    951 S.W.2d 242
    , 244 (Tex.App.-Austin 1997, no pet.)……………...18
    Nebes v. State, 
    743 S.W.2d 729
    (Tex.App. 1988)…………………………………..16
    Raesner v. Tex. Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 982 S.W.2d. 131, 132
    (Tex. App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1998, pet. Denied)…………………………...…….9
    4
    State v. Amaya, 
    221 S.W.3d 797
      (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 2007, pet. Ref’d)……………………………………….….19
    TX DPS v. Jauregui, 
    176 S.W.3d 846
    , 848-849 (Tex.App. 2005)………13, 16, 18, 19
    INDEX OF ABBREVIATIONS
    ADA                   Americans with Disabilities Act
    ASL                   American Sign Language
    ALJ                   Administrative Law Judge
    ALR                   Administrative Law Review
    5
    STATEMENT ON ORAL ARGUMENT
    The Court should grant oral argument for the following reasons:
    a.   The issues presented have not previously been authoritatively decided.
    See Tex. R. App. P. 39.1(b).
    b.   Oral argument will give the Court a more complete understanding of
    the facts presented in this appeal. See Tex. R. App. P. 39.1(c).
    c.   Oral argument will allow the Court to better analyze the complicated
    legal issues presented in this appeal. See Tex. R. App. P. 39.1(c).
    d.   Oral argument will significantly aid the Court in deciding this case.
    See Tex. R. App. P. 38.1(e), 39.1(d).
    6
    No. 03-14-00197-CV
    _____________________________________
    TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
    APPELLANT
    V.
    CODY LITTLEPAGE,
    APPELLEE
    _____________________________________________________
    APPELLEE’S BRIEF
    Cody Littlepage, appellee, respectfully submits his brief in response to
    appellant’s appeal.
    For clarity and brevity, the appellee, Cody Littlepage, will maintain references
    as established by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Citations to Appellant’s
    brief will be AB at [page number].
    7
    STATEMENT OF FACTS
    Deputy Reynaldo Ramirez arrested Cody Littlepage for driving while
    intoxicated and was responsible for providing the DIC-24 and requesting a breath or
    blood specimen. The evidence shows Littlepage is deaf1 and communicates via
    American Sign Language (ASL).2 Littlepage requested an ASL interpreter by
    referring to the “deaf law.”3 Nevertheless, Deputy Ramirez, who does not speak
    ASL, did not request an interpreter.4
    After an extensive and difficult struggle with communication via written
    word,5 often times where it seemed Littlepage did not understand,6 Deputy Ramirez
    arrested Littlepage. Deputy Ramirez placed Littlepage’s hands behind his back,
    handcuffed him and placed him in the patrol vehicle.7 Deputy Ramirez testified that
    he showed Littlepage the DIC-24 and orally requested a specimen.8 Deputy Ramirez
    did not tell Littlepage what the DIC-24 was or its purpose.9 Littlepage glanced at the
    DIC-2410 before Deputy Ramirez stated that Littlepage’s non-response would be
    1
    CR 54, 58-59, 76
    2
    CR 70
    3
    CR 55, 74
    4
    CR 63
    5
    CR 55
    6
    CR 64, 71, 79
    7
    CR 77
    8
    CR 77
    9
    CR 74
    10
    CR 77
    8
    considered a refusal.11 Due to his deafness, Littlepage was unable to hear anything
    requested or stated by Deputy Ramirez. Further, Littlepage was physically unable to
    respond via sign language due to being handcuffed with his hands behind his back.
    Despite the Department’s position, the evidence shows that Littlepage did not
    refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen,12 and given the unique circumstances
    of this situation, does not authorize a license suspension.
    ARGUMENT
    I. THE PROCEEDINGS BELOW
    The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that Littlepage was “properly
    asked to submit a specimen of breath,”13 and that he refused.14 Littlepage appealed to
    Williamson County Court Two, contending Littlepage was not properly asked to
    submit a specimen, and there was no showing that Littlepage refused to provide a
    specimen. Judge Tim Wright agreed and reversed the decision of the ALJ. Judge
    Wright was not required to accept or defer to findings not supported by the record
    and was authorized to make contrary findings. Ex parte Ard, No. AP-75,704, slip op.
    at 2, (Tex.Crim.App. March 11, 2009)(opinion not designated for publication), citing
    Ex parte 
    Reed, 271 S.W.3d at 727
    .
    11
    CR 77-78
    12
    CR 78
    13
    ALJ Decision dated October 3, 2013
    14
    Id.
    9
    II. REFUSAL
    The ultimate issue in this case is whether Littlepage knowingly and
    intelligently refused to provide a breath sample. Transportation Code § 724.032(a)
    notes two ways a person can refuse:
    If a person refuses to submit to the taking of a specimen, whether
    expressly or because of an intentional failure of the person to give
    the specimen.
    Just as it is the State’s burden to show voluntary submission of a breath test, it
    is the State’s burden to show a refusal. Texas Transportation Code §724.042 states
    that the issues at a hearing are (1) reasonable suspicion or probable cause existed to
    stop or arrest the person; (2) probable cause existed to believe that the person was
    operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated; (3) the person was
    placed under arrest by the officer and was requested to submit to the taking of a
    specimen; and (4) the person refused to submit to the taking of a specimen on request
    of the officer. (emphasis added).
    The Department concedes that Transportation Code 724.01515 provides that
    when a driver is arrested for driving while intoxicated, he must be warned of the
    15
    § 724.015. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OFFICER BEFORE REQUESTING SPECIMEN.
    Before requesting a person to submit to the taking of a specimen, the officer shall inform the person
    orally and in writing that:
    (1) if the person refuses to submit to the taking of the specimen, that refusal may be
    admissible in a subsequent prosecution;
    (2) if the person refuses to submit to the taking of the specimen, the person's license to
    operate a motor vehicle will be automatically suspended, whether or not the person is subsequently
    prosecuted as a result of the arrest, for not less than 180 days;
    10
    statutory consequences of refusal to provide a breath or blood specimen.16 The issue
    in this case is whether Deputy Ramirez properly provided the warnings to Littlepage,
    a deaf person, and whether Littlepage refused to submit to the taking of a blood or
    breath test. Littlepage contends that because of his deafness, Deputy Ramirez never
    made a proper request for a specimen and Littlepage did not refuse, either expressly
    or by intentional failure, to provide a specimen.
    A. Littlepage Understood Written English
    The Department asserts that Littlepage understood English to a degree in
    which he was able to read the statutory warnings on the DIC-24, and then
    intentionally refused to answer Deputy Ramirez’s request for a breath specimen.
    Deputy Ramirez testified that “this [was] the most difficult test [he had] ever done”
    because Littlepage is deaf.17                                  Deputy Ramirez testified that he and Littlepage
    communicated via “the written word,”18 noting that Littlepage would answer by
    circling ‘yes’ or ‘no.’19
    The Department maintains that Littlepage appeared to understand English,20
    and that “given the fact that Littlepage is deaf, the presentation of the warnings in
    16
    AB 7
    17
    CR 70
    18
    CR 55
    19
    CR 55
    20
    AB 7
    11
    written English constituted substantial compliance.”21 In support of this argument,
    the Department relies on TX DPS v. Jauregui 
    176 S.W.3d 846
    , but Jauregui is easily
    distinguishable because, the defendant acknowledged that he understood the statutory
    warnings whereas Littlepage did not.22
    Here, the record does not contain any affirmative remarks regarding
    understanding the warnings or the DIC-24.                            Instead, Deputy Ramirez testified that
    there were times when Littlepage seemed to not understand23 and when Littlepage’s
    written responses did not make sense in the English language.24
    Deputy Ramirez acknowledged that ASL and English were not the same
    language.25                     After questions regarding the fact that Littlepage is deaf, Deputy
    Ramirez admitted that it was probable that there was a communication barrier,26 and
    that it was possible that Littlepage did not understand what Deputy Ramirez was
    writing.27
    The record is unclear as to whether Deputy Ramirez asked Littlepage via
    writing if he would read the DIC-24. Deputy Ramirez testified that after Littlepage
    21
    AB 7
    22
    TX DPS v. Jauregui, 
    176 S.W.3d 846
    , 850 (Tex.App. 2005), “When [the officer] provided
    Jauregui a set of written warnings at the jail, Jauregui stated, ‘I understood this, I don’t need to read
    it.’ Jauregui then refused for a second time to provide a breath specimen.”
    23
    CR 64
    24
    CR 64
    25
    CR 69
    26
    CR 71
    27
    CR 79
    12
    was arrested, Deputy Ramirez “held [the DIC-24] up to him,”28 and Littlepage
    “glanced at it.”29 The record shows that Deputy Ramirez did not tell Littlepage what
    the DIC-24 was or point out the heading to Littlepage.30 However, Deputy Ramirez
    testified that he did state, “Here’s the Statutory Warnings, yes or no?”31
    When asked if he wrote or said that statement, Deputy Ramirez testified that
    he said it but did not recall if he wrote it.32 There is no evidence that this statement
    was written to Littlepage. However, even if the statement was written, Deputy
    Ramirez testified that “[Littlepage] didn’t circle yes or not [sic] that he would read it
    or wouldn’t,”33 thereby not providing a refusal.
    In regards to the question as to whether Deputy Ramirez requested that
    Littlepage read the warnings, the evidence does not support this.            There is no
    evidence of this written question and it was physically impossible for Littlepage to
    have responded -- once Littlepage was placed under arrest, all communication
    between he and Deputy Ramirez ceased because he was physically unable to
    respond. He could not respond to the DIC-24 to either refuse or consent because he
    was handcuffed with his hands behind his back.
    28
    CR 77
    29
    CR 77
    30
    CR 74
    31
    CR 77
    32
    CR 77
    33
    CR 55
    13
    B. Informed Decision
    The Department properly states that “a peace officer is directed to provide
    certain warnings before requesting a driver’s consent to an alcohol concentration test,
    so the driver has the opportunity to make an informed decision about taking or
    refusing the test.”34
    “The purpose behind section 724.015 is ‘to ensure that a person who refuses to
    give a requested specimen does so with a full understanding of the consequences.’
    Nebes v. State, 
    743 S.W.2d 729
    , 730 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1987, no pet.).”
    TX DPS v. Jauregui, 
    176 S.W.3d 846
    , 849 (Tex.App. 2005)
    In order for an informed decision to be made, one must understand the options
    or the questions being posed to him. Littlepage did not understand and therefore
    never had the opportunity to make an informed decision.
    “It is implicit in Article 6701 l-5, §2, that a suspect’s decision to submit to a
    breath test must truly be her own, made freely and with the correct understanding of
    the actual statutory consequences of refusal.” Erdman v. State, 
    861 S.W.2d 890
    , 893
    (Tex.Crim.App. 1993)
    Further, the Department asserts that Littlepage “deliberately ignored the
    warnings Deputy Ramirez presented and refused to answer the deputy’s request for a
    breath specimen.” However, Ramirez acknowledged that speaking or reading the
    34
    AB 9
    14
    DIC-24 aloud to Littlepage would be ineffective because he could not hear.35
    Ramirez testified that he stated orally, “Here’s the Statutory Warnings, yes or no?”36
    And that he then stated, “Then I will consider this a refusal?” He replied, “Yes,
    ma’am.”37
    The evidence shows that Littlepage was never given the warnings in a way that
    he was able to have a full understanding of what was being asked of him or the
    consequences. Littlepage was never provided the warnings in a language he could
    understand, ASL. Therefore no intelligent waiver or refusal could be made by
    Littlepage.
    C. No Refusal
    The Department contends that Littlepage “refused to answer the deputy’s
    request for a breath specimen.”38                              However, the evidence plainly shows that
    Littlepage did not refuse:
    Littlepage did not understand the DIC-24 or its purpose; Deputy Ramirez
    testified he did not recall if he told Littlepage what the DIC-24 was or its purpose.39
    35
    CR 76
    36
    CR 77
    37
    CR 78
    38
    AB 4
    39
    CR 74
    15
    Ramirez acknowledged that Littlepage may not have known what the DIC-24 was.40
    Q: Did he know—do you know if he knew what it was?
    A: No, ma’am.
    Littlepage’s silence was not a refusal but rather was due to his inability to
    physically hear Deputy Ramirez and should not have been taken as a refusal. When
    asked if he received his refusal on the form, Deputy Ramirez answered that “He
    didn’t answer so he didn’t refuse…he wouldn’t say yes or no.”41 Ramirez further
    testified that Littlepage did not expressly tell him that he would not give a
    specimen.42
    Q: Did he expressly tell you that he would not give a specimen?
    A: No.
    In Jauregui, there was “no evidence that the appellant did not understand the
    warnings or that this failure to receive the warnings in writing had any impact on his
    decision to take the breath test.” 
    Jauregui, 176 S.W.3d at 849-850
    (Tex.App. 2005)
    citing Lane v. State, 
    951 S.W.2d 242
    , 244 (Tex.App.-Austin 1997, no pet.).
    The Department assumes that Littlepage understood the warnings. However,
    the evidence shows the contrary.                               During the entire DWI investigation, Deputy
    Ramirez and Littlepage communicated via writing and circling of “yes” or “no.” The
    evidence also shows that there were communication difficulties throughout, when
    40
    CR 77
    41
    CR 56 (emphasis added)
    42
    CR 78 (emphasis added)
    16
    Deputy Ramirez could not understand Littlepage and vice versa.43 When Deputy
    Ramirez presented Littlepage with the statutory warnings, he did so orally, without
    writing and Littlepage gave no response.
    In Jauregui, where “the evidence demonstrated that the purpose of section
    724.015 had been fulfilled: Jauregui had been informed of the consequences of his
    failing to provide a breath specimen, and he had indicated that he understood those
    
    consequences.” 176 S.W.3d at 850
    . In the instant case, all the evidence points to the
    fact that Littlepage was not able to give a response because he neither understood the
    warnings nor heard the request for a specimen, therefore the purpose of section
    724.015 was not fulfilled.
    III. LITTLEPAGE DISTINGUISHED
    The Department points to the cases of State v. Amaya44 and Landin v. Tex.
    Dep’t of Pub. Safety45 to argue that Deputy Ramirez substantially complied with the
    statute to provide warnings to Littlepage. The Department maintains that Littlepage
    understood those warnings and subsequently refused. However, this is the proverbial
    comparison of apples and oranges.
    In both Amaya and Landin, the defendants spoke Spanish. These cases cannot
    43
    44
    CR 71
    State v. Amaya, 
    221 S.W.3d 797
    (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 2007, pet. Ref’d).—gave defendant
    45
    warnings  in two languages, English and Spanish.
    Landin v. Tex. Dep’t of Pub. Safety, 
    475 S.W.2d 594
    (Tex.Civ.App.—Dallas 1971, no writ)
    17
    control the instant case because they dealt with individuals who were able-bodied
    and could communicate with the officers. Those cases focused on being given the
    warnings in either English or Spanish.
    In the case at bar, Littlepage is completely and totally deaf. He has no ability
    to hear spoken language. Consequently, he was unable to hear what Deputy Ramirez
    said or asked. Further, Littlepage could not speak to Deputy Ramirez or reply to
    requests. Although Littlepage utilizes another language, ASL, the central issue is
    that he is a disabled person who cannot communicate or express himself to Deputy
    Ramirez.
    The Department concedes that they have the burden in the current case to
    show that Littlepage sufficiently understood the warnings to give an informed
    waiver. They did not meet that burden. While the Department at most argues that
    Littlepage appears to understand English enough to answer yes or no to field sobriety
    tests, there is no evidence that the communication regarding the statutory warnings
    was understood. Deputy Ramirez did not emphasize what the warnings were or
    receive a response from Littlepage that the acknowledged or understood the DIC-24.
    This is substantiated by the fact that all communication, however limited, ceased
    when Littlepage was handcuffed with his hands behind his back and put in the patrol
    car.
    Strict compliance is not required when the warnings can be given either orally
    18
    and/or in writing. Here, this is not an option for a deaf person: (1) there is no way to
    provide the warnings orally without the aid of an ASL interpreter; and, (2) since
    there is no written form of ASL, providing the warnings in writing is impossible.
    Clearly Amaya and Landin are spoken language cases and do not apply to the
    case at bar. It is clear that Littlepage is unique and distinct. The evidence shows that
    Littlepage is deaf, and he physically is unable to hear; that he communicates in ASL;
    that Deputy Ramirez does not understand ASL; that deafness is a recognized
    disability under the ADA; that no interpreter or accommodations were made for
    Littlepage; ASL has no written language; that Littlepage was arrested and handcuffed
    behind his back; Littlepage had no ability to communicate after handcuffed; Deputy
    Ramirez read the warnings in English; Littlepage was not able to hear that reading
    and was not able to read them on his own; that he was not told what DIC-24 was for;
    that Littlepage was not expressly asked by Deputy Ramirez to provide a sample; that
    he was verbally told to respond but could not do so because he could not hear the
    request; that he was verbally told that a no answer will be taken as a refusal; that he
    did not hear this request; and that he never expressly or intentionally refused to
    provide a breath or blood sample.
    Deputy Ramirez knew Littlepage was deaf.
    Q: And you noted that he was deaf?
    A: Yes, ma’am.
    Q: Did he tell you he was deaf?
    19
    A: Yes, ma’am.46
    Deputy Ramirez testified that he attempted to secure an interpreter. However,
    when asked on cross-examination about an interpreter, Deputy Ramirez testified that
    he did not know if there was an interpreter available or not because he did not know
    if one was even called.47                                       Although the Department argues that Littlepage
    understood everything that was communicated and asked of him, Deputy Ramirez
    stated there were times when Littlepage seemed to not understand.48                                       Deputy
    Ramirez replied, “yes, ma’am” and that “[Littlepage’s] English grammar didn’t make
    sense.”49 Deputy Ramirez acknowledged that there was a communication barrier
    between himself and Littlepage.50
    Section 724.015 requires that the officer “shall inform the person orally and
    in writing” regarding the consequences of refusing to submit a specimen. That was
    not done in this case.                                   The evidence shows that Littlepage communicated via sign
    language and Deputy Ramirez was unable to understand him.51
    IV. DUE PROCESS
    Both the Department and Deputy Ramirez acknowledge that Littlepage’s
    46
    CR 58-59
    47
    CR 63
    48
    CR 64
    49
    CR 64
    50
    CR 71
    51
    CR 70
    20
    deafness is a recognized disability under the ADA.52 Because of this, the issue
    extends beyond a single spoken language comparison.                                   It encompasses equal
    protection under the due process clause.                               Although the Department asserts that
    Littlepage did not raise the issue of due process, the evidence shows that the issue
    was raised with the trial court.53
    When the Constitution has been interpreted to require language access, the
    issue is typically framed in terms of the Sixth Amendment. Likewise, the Fifth and
    Fourteenth Amendments’ due process clauses have been employed to justify the
    right to interpreters within the courtroom and access to the justice system. Due
    process requires more than just the appearance of equality within the courtroom. Due
    process requires proceedings a person can understand both inside the courtroom and
    while interacting with law enforcement during the investigatory phase.
    Disabled persons are afforded extra protection to ensure justice and due
    process. Deputy Ramirez was aware that Littlepage was disabled. When asked,
    Q: Okay. Would you agree that hearing impairment is a
    disability?
    A: Yes, ma’am.
    Q: As recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act?
    A: That’s why I recognize it, yes, ma’am.54
    Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and
    52
    CR 61
    53
    RR 14-15
    54
    CR 61
    21
    local governments to make their programs, services, and activities accessible to
    individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are deaf or hard of
    hearing. Specifically, under 28 CFR §35.160 General—Communications, states:
    (a)       (1) a public entity shall take appropriate steps to
    ensure that communications with applicants, participants,
    members of the public, and companions of disabilities are
    as effective as communication with others.
    (b)       (2) The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary
    to ensure effective communication will vary in accordance
    with the method of communication used by the individual;
    the nature, length, and complexity of the communication
    involved; and the context in which the communication is
    taking place. In determining what types of auxiliary aids and
    services are necessary, a public entity shall give primary
    consideration to the requests of individuals with disabilities.
    In order to be effective, auxiliary aids and services must be
    provided in accessible formats, in a timely manner, and in
    such a way as to protect the privacy and independence of
    the individual with a disability.
    The regulations also specify that in determining what type of aid or
    service is necessary, the public entity shall give ‘primary consideration” to the
    requests of the individual, and shall “honor” that choice unless it can demonstrate
    “that another effective means of communication exists.” 55
    Likewise, Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 29 USC Section 794(a)
    states
    No otherwise qualified individual with a disability . . .
    shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded
    from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
    55
    Title II of ADA 28 CFR 35.130(B)(2)
    22
    subjected to discrimination under any program or
    activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under
    any program or activity conducted by any Executive
    agency or by the United States Postal Service."
    Law enforcement is included in those entities which are governed by the
    ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. It is rational to associate equal protection and
    due process guarantees that are required in the courtroom to apply throughout the
    criminal justice system. Because Deputy Ramirez recognized that Littlepage was
    deaf and was protected under the ADA. Deputy Ramirez failed to accommodate
    for Littlepage’s disability and therefore violated his due process rights as a citizen.
    CONCLUSION
    The evidence shows Littlepage is deaf and communicates through ASL.
    Consequently, this case involves an unspoken/visual language and a disability.
    When viewed in this light, the evidence shows that Littlepage did not understand the
    statutory warnings and Deputy Ramirez incorrectly assumed Littlepage’s non-
    response was a refusal.         Littlepage neither understood nor expressly refused to
    provide a specimen. Given the unique circumstances of this case, the ALJ erred and
    this case does not provide for a license suspension.
    PRAYER
    For the foregoing reasons, Appellee respectfully requests that the judgment
    23
    of Williamson County Court Two be affirmed.
    Respectfully submitted,
    ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE
    CODY LITTLEPAGE
    Amber Farrelly
    Texas Bar No. 24069671
    BAIRD☆FARRELLY CRIMINAL DEFENSE
    2312 Western Trails Blvd Ste. 102-A
    Austin, TX 78745
    Tel. 512-804-5911
    Fax. 512-804-5919
    adfelaw@gmail.com
    By: __________________________
    Amber D. Farrelly
    CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
    I certify that the computer program used to prepare this document reported
    that there are 4,331 words in the pertinent parts of the document, per TRAP
    9.4(i)(2).
    By: __________________________
    Amber D. Farrelly
    24
    CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
    I hereby certify that on January 23, 2015, a true and correct copy of
    the foregoing Appellant’s Brief was served on the following counsel of record by
    the means indicated:
    Via e-file
    Kevin M. Givens
    Supervising Attorney,
    ALR Appellate Section
    SBN 00796633
    P.O. Box 15327
    Austin, Texas 78761-5327
    Tel: (512) 424-5193
    Fax: (512) 424-5221
    Kevin.Givens@dps.texas.gov
    By: __________________________
    Amber D. Farrelly
    25
    No. 03-14-00194-CV
    TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
    Appellant,
    V.
    CODY LITTLEPAGE,
    Appellee
    APPELLEE’S APPENDIX
    LIST OF DOCUMENTS
    Tab A ...................................................... Texas Constitution art. I, §10 and 19
    26
    TAB
    “A”
    27
    Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 10:
    In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have a speedy public trial by an impartial
    jury. He shall have the right to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him,
    and to have a copy thereof. He shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself,
    and shall have the right of being heard by himself or counsel, or both, shall be confronted
    by the witnesses against him and shall have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in
    his favor, except that when the witness resides out of the State and the offense charged is a
    violation of any of the anti-trust laws of this State, the defendant and the State shall have
    the right to produce and have the evidence admitted by deposition, under such rules and
    laws as the Legislature may hereafter provide; and no person shall be held to answer for a
    criminal offense, unless on an indictment of a grand jury, except in cases in which the
    punishment is by fine or imprisonment, otherwise than in the penitentiary, in cases of
    impeachment, and in cases arising in the army or navy, or in the militia, when in actual
    service in time of war or public danger.
    Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 19:
    No citizen of this State shall be deprived of life, liberty, property, privileges or
    immunities, or in any manner disfranchised, except by the due course of the law of
    the land.
    28