12. Confessions and Right to Counsel Flashcards
when is a confession truly involuntary?
only if there is some official compulsion (torture, etc)
if an involuntary confession is admitted, what test is applied on appeal?
harmless error test (conviction need not be overturned if there is other overwhelming evidence of guilt)
when does a defendant’s 6th amendment rights attach?
upon indictment (charged)
at what stages does a defendant NOT have a 6th amendment right to counsel?
blood sampling
taking handwriting/voice exemplars
precharge/investigation lineups
photo IDs
prelim hearings to determine PC to detain
brief recesses during defendant’s testimony at trial
discretionary appeals
parole and prob revocation hearings
post conviction proceedings
may a defendant be questioned regarding unrelated and uncharged offenses without violating the 6th amendment?
yes (6th amendment right to counsel is offense specific)
**NOTE = defendant WILL have a 5th amendment right to counsel (Miranda)
when may a defendant validly waive his 6th amendment right to counsel?
when such a waiver is knowing and voluntary
what remedy is applied on appeal if 6th amendment right to counsel was violated at NON-trial proceedings?
reversal unless harmless error
what remedy is applied on appeal if 6th amendment right to counsel was violated at TRIAL?
automatic reversal of conviction
when may a statement obtained in violation of defendant’s 6th amendment right to counsel be used at trial
only when used to impeach the defendant’s contrary trial testimony (may NOT be used in state’s case in chief)
what is the Miranda rule?
a person in custody must, prior to interrogation, be informed that:
1) person has right to remain silent
2) anything they say can be used against them in court
3) person has a right to attorney, and
4) if they can’t afford an attorney, one will be provided if they so desire
do Miranda warnings need to be ver batim?
no, so long as the substance of the 4 warnings are conveyed
what must a defendant know in order for Miranda warnings to be required?
that they are being interrogated by police
**NOTE = statements to informants/ppl defendant doesn’t know are cops do NOT require Miranda warnings
when is a defendant in custody? (2 part test)
1) a reasonable person would not feel free to leave/terminate the interrogation
2) the environment presents the same inherently coercive pressures as a traditional station house questioning (the more similar to trad arrest – the more likely court will find custody)
what is an “interrogation”?
any words or conduct by the police that they should know would likely ELICIT an incriminating response from the detainee
are routine booking questions considered an interrogation?
no