Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Oct 17, 2018
STATE OF MISSOURI, Plaintiff-Appellant vs. NATALIE LANE CHAMPAGNE, Defendant-Respondent
The State of Missouri appealed the trial court's order suppressing evidence in a driving while intoxicated (DWI) case against Natalie Lane Champagne. The suppression order was based on the trial court's finding that the initial traffic stop, initiated due to a single functioning brake light, was unlawful. The appellate court reversed, holding that Missouri Revised Statute § 304.019.1(4) requires all manufacturer-installed stoplights to be in operating condition, making the traffic stop lawful. The case was remanded for further proceedings.