Criminal Procedure Flashcards
*Who has the right to the Sixth Amendment Right to Counsel
- EVERYONE has right to “effective assistance of counsel”
- US Sup. Ct requires states to provide counsel to indigent D where conviction is punishable by incarceration, and for one direct appeal of a criminal conviction (no right to choose).
When does Sixth Amendment right to counsel automatically attach?
When the person is formally charged with an offense. The right is specific to offense.
*When can state avoid providing counsel to indigent D’s?
o If the crime is a misdemeanor or ordinance violation and the judge files a written order certifying that the D will not be incarcerated at least 15 days before trial.
o If counsel was already appointed, court may discharge counsel unless D will be substantially disadvantaged, in which case the judge can keep counsel or give D time to prepare for trial or hire his own attorney.
How does a Defendant waive his 6th Amendment Right to Counsel
∆ may knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waive right to counsel at any stage, judge must determine if ∆ is competent to proceed pro se (and is not suffering from any mental illness - different from competent to stand trial, which is a much lower standard)
Where is waiver of 6th amendment right to counsel made
o Waiver must be made in court and on the record, or in writing signed and subscribed by 2 witnesses. Judge must make sure the D understands the right he is giving up.
o At each court appearance, judge must ask if D wants counsel
Can attorney of record for D withdraw?
Attorney of record for D cannot withdraw, except upon court approval on good cause shown or until after: filing notice of appeal, or if not filing, the time for filing has expired; or after substitute counsel is appointed.
Is email service permitted in criminal cases?
It is MANDATORY in criminal cases. Certificate of service to be included with all documents. 3 days added for service by email.
*What are the requirements of a valid Arrest Warrant
- In writing and in the name of the State of Fla
- Person’s name or reasonably certain description
- Nature of the offense
- Command that person against whom the complaint is made be arrested and brought before a judge.
- Date and county where issued
- Signed by judge, with his title
- Amount of bail and return date.
*What is a Notice to Appear
Written order issued to person by law enforcement officer in lieu of arrest.
Notice requires the person to appear in court or at gov’t office at specified date and time
*When can you use a Notice to Appear
Misdemeanors or local ordinance violations in county court
*Notice to Appear is Appropriate UNLESS
- Accused fails to sufficiently identify himself
- Accused refuses to sign the Notice to Appeal
- Officer believes that not taking accused into custody creates an unreasonable risk of bodily injury to the accused or to others
- Accused has no ties to juris, or there is no reason to believe he will respond to notice
- Officer suspects that accused is wanted in other juris
- Accused has previously failed to appear.
*When must arrested person be taken before a judicial officer
Within 24 hours of arrest - “First Appearance”. Can be in person or via electronic audio visual device.
*What is required at First Appearance
- inform D of charge
- provide copy of complaint
- advise D of right to remain silent
- advise of 6th amendment right to counsel
- Tell D he has right to communicate with family and friends.
*Who is entitled to Pretrial Release?
Every D entitled to Pretrial Release upon reasonable conditions unless
- charged with a capitol offense OR
- charged with offense punishable by life and
- Proof of guilt is evident or presumption of guilt is great.
*What is a Capias
Bench warrant - issued by judge when D fails to appear in court as required, or when formal charges are filed by information or indictment.
*What happens if you fail to appear at First Appearance
results in issuance of bench warrant
When determining pretrial release, does judge adhere to rules of evidence?
Do not strictly adhere to rules of evidence.
*What conditions of pretrial release may court consider?
Bond, placing D in someone’s custody, restrictions upon travel, refraining from victim contact, GPS monitoring, etc. Ct can ROR unless D previously failed to appear - Presumption in favor of release on non monetary conditions
*How is a crime formally charged?
Indictment, information, notice to appear
*Indictment
Returned by a grand jury, signed by foreman and endorsed by state attorney
plain, concise and definite statement of essential facts, brought in name of state, cite the law violated, contain accused’s name, and state time and place of offense as precisely as possible.
*Information
Signed by state attorney or assistant under oath.
All prosecutions in circuit courts MUST be by indictment or information. Misd. and violations may be prosecuted by information in county court.
plain, concise and definite statement of essential facts, brought in name of state, cite the law violated, contain accused’s name, and state time and place of offense as precisely as possible.
*What is required for an Information in a felony case
state attorney must certify that he has received testimony under oath from at least one witness.
*When do the courts use an Affidavit, Docket Entry and Notice to Appear
For prosecutions for misd and municipal and cty ordinance viol in county court.
What does the 4th Amendment protect against
Protects against unreasonable government searches and seizures
When does a 4th amendment -seizure of PERSON occur?
A government seizure of a person occurs when a reasonable person would not feel free to terminate his encounter with a government agent under the totality of the circumstances.
What is a Terry Stop
A Terry Stop is a temporary seizure of a person used by the government to investigate potential criminal activity. Once a law enforcement officer begins a Terry Stop, he must take diligent steps to either confirm or dispel his suspicion of criminal activity.
When is an Arrest reasonable and allowed?
An arrest is reasonable when the government agent performing the arrest has probable cause to believe that the person seized has committed a crime.
How do you know if officer has probable cause?
A law enforcement officer generally has probable cause if the officer witnesses the commission of the crime or a person tells the officer that a crime has been committed.
What does police officer need to have in order to make a Terry stop ?
Reasonable suspicion
What is a reasonable suspicion?
Reasonable suspicion is based on articulable facts (i.e., more than a “hunch” – less than probable cause), that the person seized is or is about to be engaged in criminal activity.
Do you need an arrest warrant to arrest someone in their home?
Yes. Without a warrant, officers can arrest an individual inside the home only if there is consent to enter or exigent circumstances (i.e., emergencies). Otherwise wait until they are on the street.
Can police make an evidentiary search and seizure without a warrant under the 4th amendment
Absent an exception, an evidentiary search and seizure by the gov’t without a warrant is UNLAWFUL.
When does a “search” occur for purposes of the 4th amendment
For 4th Amendment purposes, a “search” occurs when a government agent physically intrudes into an area where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy
When does the 4th Amendment not apply to search?
When it is not performed by the government
Where does person has reasonable expectation of privacy
The home, The backyard of the home (i.e., the "curtilage"), A hotel room, An office, AND Luggage.
Areas where you DO NOT have a reasonable expectation of privacy
Public streets;
Open fields (even if the open field is private property);
Abandoned property (trash on curb);
Anything visible from public airspace; AND
Anything that can be seen from public space (with or without sensory enhancing devices that are generally available to the public – e.g., binoculars, flashlight, etc.).
Fact specific; Totality of circumstances
Is a search without a warrant lawful?
Absent an exception to the warrant requirement, a government search that physically intrudes into an area where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy is unlawful UNLESS the government agent performing the search properly executes a valid search warrant.
In order for search warrant to be valid, it must
Be issued by a neutral magistrate;
Be based on probable cause to believe that the items sought are fruits, instrumentalities, or evidence of crime; AND
Describe the place and property to be searched with particularity.
What happens if warrant fails to meet requirements
If a warrant fails to meet these three requirements, the warrant is invalid, and the recovered evidence will generally be excluded from the prosecutor’s case-in-chief (unless an exception to the search warrant requirement applies).
Evidence recovered from an invalid search warrant will generally NOT be excluded if the search warrant is:
Facially valid; AND
The police in good faith believed that the search warrant was valid.
When can a warrant be invalidated on the grounds of a falsehood?
- Search warrant is based on false statement
- Made by an officer, either intentionally or recklessly
- Material in finding of p.c.
Do police have to knock and announce when executing a search warrant?
Police have to knock and announce, but if they don’t the evidence obtained will still be usable.
Exceptions to 4th Amendment Search Warrant Req’t
(E) Exigent circumstances
(S) Search incident to lawful arrest (SILA)
(C) Consent
(A) Automobiles
(P) Plain View
(E) Evidence obtained from administrative searches
(S) Stop and frisk
Exigent Circumstances.
Law enforcement officers may conduct a search without a warrant if:
-“hot pursuit” of a suspect (felony);
- officers or public are in immediate danger; OR
-evidence would spoil or disappear in the time it would take to obtain a warrant.
However, a warrant is necessary for a search if the officers create the exigent circumstances.
Search Incident to a Lawful Arrest (SILA).
Law enforcement officers may conduct a search for weapons or evidence without a warrant if the search occurs at the time that a lawful arrest is made. The scope of the search is generally limited to objects within the reach of the arrestee. If the arrest is made in a home, adjoining rooms may also be searched to ensure officer safety (i.e., other assailants that may be lying in wait).
Consent
Law enforcement officers may conduct a search without a warrant if a person voluntarily consents to a search. Officers do NOT have to inform the subject that she has the right to refuse consent to the search.
Apparent Authority
A third party with apparent authority can consent to a search of the premises. However, officers cannot search over a present occupant’s objection (e.g., if one occupant consents and the other occupant refuses, officers cannot search the property).
Automobiles
Law enforcement officers may conduct a search without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that an automobile contains contraband or evidence of a crime. They can search the parts of the vehicle, and containers inside, which could reasonably contain the items for which there is probable cause (e.g., cannot search for a shotgun in the glove box where it cannot reasonably fit).
Plain View.
Law enforcement officers may seize evidence without a warrant if:
The officers are legally on the premises;
The evidence is observed (with any of the five senses) in plain view; AND
There is probable cause to believe the items are evidence of a crime or contraband.
Administrative Searches.
Law enforcement officers do NOT need search warrants to conduct administrative searches if the search is both:
Reasonable; AND
Conducted pursuant to established police agency procedures that are designed to meet legitimate objectives while limiting the discretion of the officer. (e.g., airplane boarding areas, international borders, roadblocks for drunk drivers, etc.)
Stop and Frisk (Terry Stops)
Law enforcement officers can stop an individual when the officer has a reasonable suspicion, based on articulable facts (i.e., more than a “hunch” — less than probable cause), to believe that the subject is or is about to be engaged in criminal activity.
During a Terry stop, an officer can frisk a suspect for WEAPONS without a warrant; however, the officer cannot initiate a search for EVIDENCE. If the frisk for weapons reveals objects whose shape makes their identity obvious (e.g., object is obviously contraband), the officer may seize those objects.
What cases do the Fla Rules of Criminal Procedure apply to?
all criminal proceedings in state courts including proceedings involving direct and indirect criminal contempt, proceedings to vacate, set aside or correct a sentence, and vehicular and pedestrian traffic offenses
What cases don’t the Fla Rules of Criminal Procedure apply to?
- direct or indirect criminal contempt of a court acting in any appellate capacity
- hearings on insanity at time of execution in capital cases
Purpose and Construction of Fla Rules of Criminal Procedure
-just determination of every criminal proceeding
They should be construed to secure simplicity in procedure and fairness in administration
State or Prosecuting Attorney defined
The prosecuting authority representing the state of Florida
What and who must be served in a criminal proceeding
What: every pleading following the initial indictment, every written notice, motion, demand or similar document
Who: on each party
Additional methods of service (e-mail is mandatory)
-Hand delivery
-Leaving it at atty’s office with secretary or in conspicuous place
-If office is closed or no office, leaving it at place pf abode with person over 15
-mail, deemed complete on mailing
Fax, deemed complete when transmission is complete
Who signs Certificate of service
- must be signed by the attorney and included with every document
- is prima facie proof of service in compliance with rule.
Rules regarding Computations of Time for motions, pleadings
same as civil, except for periods of time less than 7 days for First Appearance, PreTrial Detention and NonAdversary PC Determination.
Can the court enlarge time to complete acts, e.g. filings?
Court for GOOD CAUSE may extend the time for completion of a certain act
Request for extension of time BEFORE expiration of period
court can extend with or without notice
Request for extension of time AFTER expiration of period
upon motion and notice of expiration, court may permit the act to be done if the result of excusable neglect
Matters in which NO EXTENSION of time is available
- Motions for new trial,
- judgment of acquittal,
- notice of appeal
Do pleadings need to be verified?
Unless otherwise specifically provided, every pleading or document of a party represetned by an attorney need not be verified.
*When is counsel provided to indigent defendants
-when person is formally charged, or as soon as feasible after custodial restraint, or at first appearance before committing judge, whichever occurs earliest.
What is a capital trial?
A case where the state has not formally waived the death penalty on the record
What is a capital appeal?
An appeal of a case in which the death penalty has been imposed
What is a capital postconviction proceeding?
where D is still under the sentence of death.
*How are attorneys chosen in capital cases, appeals and postconviction proceedings
Every circuit maintains a list of qualified conflict attorneys to be appointed to capital case.
In exceptional circumstances, court can deviate from rules, court must enter an order specifying the exceptional circumstances requiring deviation and the explicit determination that chosen counsel will provide competent representation
Minimum requirements for Lead counsel in capital cases
- 5 years litigation experience in the field of criminal law
- prior experience in at least 9 jury trials of serious and complex cases
- experienced in use of experts and evidence
- within the last 2 years completed 12 hours of CLE devoted to capital cases
Minimum requirements for Co-counsel in capital cases
- qualify as LEAD or
- 3 years litigation experience in the field of criminal law
- prior experience in at least 3 jury trials of serious and complex cases
- experienced in use of experts and evidence
- within the last 2 years completed 12 hours of CLE devoted to capital cases
Minimum requirements for Appellate Counsel in capital cases
- 5 years litigation experience in the field of criminal law
- prior experience in at least 1 appeal
- within the last 2 years completed 12 hours of CLE devoted to capital cases
Duties of State Attorney, criminal intake
The state attorney shall provide the personnel or procedure for criminal intake in the judicial system.
All sworn complaints charging the commission of a
criminal offense shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court and delivered to the state attorney for further proceeding
What is a Committing Judge
Each state and county judge is a committing judge and may issues a summons to, or warrant for the arrest of a person
Judge may take testimony under oath to determine if there is reasonable ground to believe the complaint is true.
What are the grounds for Pre-trial detention (when court does not have to release upon reasonable conditions)
- D poses a threat of harm to community;
- has previously violated conditions on release or parole AND
- no condition of release will reassure the D’s appearance.
*When can motion for pre-trial detention be filed and what must it contain
o State may file motion for detention at first appearance or at any time before trial.
o It must contain grounds and facts upon which it is based, and certification that state attorney has received testimony supporting grounds and facts.
*When is a Hearing on Pre-trial Detention held?
Court WILL conduct hearing absent exigent circumstances. Must be held within 5 days of filing the motion, with one continuance permitted upon showing of good cause.
–Final order must be rendered within 24 hours.
*How long can D be held pending hearing for pre-trial detention?
10 days, unless D was cause of delay.
*What evidence is admissible at hearing
- Hearsay evidence is admissible, but cannot be sole basis for the court’s finding that pretrial detention is warranted.
- Evidence seized in violation of constitution is inadmissible.
- Rules of evidence do not apply
*Can testimony from pretrial detention hearing be used against D in subsequent proceedings?
No, except for perjury and impeachment
*Order for Pretrial Detention - when is it issued, how and what must it contain?
Must be entered within 24 hours of hearing, either orally or in writing, but must contain findings of fact and supporting conclusions of law.
*Who is entitled to an ADVERSARIAL probable cause hearing?
To determine whether probable cause exists to support the charge
-D who has not been charged by information or indictment within 21 days of arrest or service of capias may seek an adversarial p.c. hearing on any FELONY charge pending against them.
*Who is entitled to a NONADVERSARIAL Probable cause hearing
A D who is in custody and who has not had a probable cause determination is entitled to one within 48 hours of arrest.
- if D is not in custody, he can move for a p.c. determination if conditions of release are a significant restraint on his liberty.
- If arrest warrant was issued, they have already had a probable cause determination and are not entitled to another one.
*Can continuances be granted for NONADVERSARIAL Probable cause hearing?
Yes. Ct may grant a 24-hour continuance due to an extraordinary circumstance, and an additional 24 hour continuance with a showing that the extraordinary circumstance still exists.
o If state does not comply with time periods, D can be released on notice (24 hours)
*Must D be present for NONADVERSARIAL Probable cause hearing?
No
*What happens if probable cause is found in a p.c. hearing?
D is held to answer the charges
*What if no probable cause is found in a p.c. hearing?
D must be released, but this does NOT act as a bar to prosecution, it only precludes a restraint on liberty except for appearance at trial.
*What happens if State Does Not hold NONADVERSARIAL Probable cause hearing w/in time limits but an information or indictment is filed.
D shall be ROR or released under a summons to appear at a specific date or time.
*Requirements for a finding of p.c. or no p.c. in a NONADVERSARIAL Probable cause hearing
Must be made in writing, signed by the judge and filed, together with evidence of p.c., with the clerk of court.
*Procedure for Adversarial PC hearing
o Both sides appear, present W’s and anything D says can be used against him.
o Court’s order must be in writing
*What happens if PC not found in an Adversarial PC Hearing, but an information or indictment is filed?
D is ROR on condition that he appear at future court proceedings in case
*Time for filing formal charges if D is IN CUSTODY
W/in 30 days from date of arrest or service of capias.
*What happens if state does not charge D w/in 30 days of arrest or service of capias
-On day 30, on notice to state, court shall order ROR on 33rd day unless state files formal charges by then.
-If good cause is shown by the state, court may order that D is not released until 40th day
NO EXTENSION BEYOND 4O DAYS
*Are capital crimes prosecuted by indictment or information?
Indictment
*Are crimes prosecuted in circuit circuit prosecuted by indictment or information?
Either
What is joinder of offenses and defendants
The act of the state charging two or more offenses or defendants in the same information or indictment
When may OFFENSES be joined?
- triable in same court
- based on same act or transaction, or two or more connected acts or transactions.
When may DEFENDANTS be joined
- Each D is charged with accountability for each offense charged OR
- Each D is charged with conspiracy and some of the D’s are also charged with one or more acts in furtherance of the conspiracy OR
- Several offenses charged were part of same plan or scheme.
What is consolidated of related offenses
-done by the court after a motion by one of the parties. If party fails to move, it is waived.
What is a related offense?
- triable in the same court
- based on the same act or transaction, or two or more connected acts or transactions
If state or D makes timely motion for consolidation, what MUST court do?
Grant the motion.
Does D have a right to Severance of Charges
D has right to severance of any improperly joined charges. And either state or D may move for severance if:
BEFORE TRIAL it can be shown that severance is proper to fairly determine guilt or innocence, or
DURING TRIAL if D consents and severance is necessary for a fair determination.
Does D or state have a right to Severance of Defendants
D or state has right to sever Ds jointly charged if necessary for a fair determination, before or during trial. D must consent during trial.
Where one D talks, and state wants to use statement, what are its choices?
- joint trial w/o statement,
- joint trial, but redact statement to remove references to the other D, or
- severance.
*What is an arraignment?
-D’s formal response in open court to the formal charges. May be waived if D files a written plea.
*How is an arraignment conducted?
May be conducted in person or by electric audiovisual device.