Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure - 11 forward Flashcards
Can D enter plea reserving right to appeal?
Yes. with Gov’t consent.
Rule 11
What does a D need to prove to be released on bail while on appeal?
Clear & Convincing Evidence
1. D not likely to flee or pose threat;
2. Appeal raises substantial question of law or fact likely to result in reversal
Practice Note: get Gov’t to concur
Is it error for a judge to fail to address D personally during plea?
Yes. Reversible.
Review:
1. Failure - de novo;
2. Factual - “clearly erroneous”
Is failure of CRT to advise D of min. mand. harmful?
Yes.
What if judge fails to give D perjury admonishment under Rule 11?
Probably harmless.
What if judge fails to give warn of waiver of collateral attack means even if guidelines change?
Failure is plain error.
What if CRT fails to inquire as to voluntariness?
Reversal.
Can you modify sentence later if a plea agreement?
Yes. IF based on guidelines. So, good D lawyer, always puts on record that sentence based on guidelines, not just plea agreement
Freeman
Can D withdraw plea?
Yes. 5th Cir. Factors: 1. D asserts innocence; 2. Gov't prejudiced; 3. Amount of delay in D's withdrawal; 4. Withdrawal substantially inconvenience court; 5. Full assistance of counsel; 6. Original plea voluntary and knowing >6th Amend. right to counsel on hearing to withdraw plea
When must Rule 12 motions be filed?
pre-trial
What are Rule 12 motions?
- Defect in instituting prosecution;
- Defect in indictment (duplicity, multiplicity);
- Motion to Suppress;
- Sever;
- Discovery
What are the notice of evidence provisions of Rule 12?
Gov’t may give notice of evidence intended to use, so MTS can be held;
D may request evidence that would be available under Rule 16 so D can file MTS
Does the court have to decide pretrial motions?
Yes, unless “good cause” and court must state essential findings
D waives if not filed.
Does pretrial motion time impact Speedy Trial?
The time is not included in speedy trial calculations.
Do you need to raise venue pretrial?
No, because not an element.
What is not waived if not presented pre-trial?
- Double Jeopardy;
- SOL;
- Immunity;
- Jurisdiction;
- Failure to state offense
When must D file notice of alibi?
Rule 12.1
Within 14 days after Gov’t request
What must D alibi notice contain?
Rule 12.1
Place;
Time;
Witnesses (names, addresses, number)
When must Gov’t file alibi witness information?
Rule 12.1
14 days after receiving D’s notice:
Name, address, number of witnesses
Not victim, unless CRT says so
When does the alibi filing notice requirement expire?
Rule 12.1
Parties must update throughout trial.
What if CRT excludes alibi based on notice failure?
- Object to exclusion on Constitutional grounds 6th mend.
- Suggest lesser sanction;
- Make record of prejudice
What if D has insanity defense?
Rule 12.2
D must file notice with clerk
CRT shall grant order to examine D on Gov’t motion
What if D has mental condition defense?
Rule 12.2
D must notify Gov’t of expert testimony
CRT may order exam of D if Gov’t motion
What if mental condition notice in Capital case PUNISHMENT?
CRT must seal ordered exam until D says actually using expert in Captial (after guilt)
D must disclose expert reports and exam reports
What if exam ordered, but mental condition doesn’t become an issue?
D’s statements in exam are not admissible
What if D withdraws notice?
Cannot use report
What if D fails to make mental condition an issue?
Not cognizable on collateral attack
Should you use same Dr. for competency and insanity?
NO. D’s statements made for insanity that’s not used may come in for competency or at trial if mental health an issue.
What is the burden for an insanity defense?
CLEAR & CONVINCING Evidence
Despite 1895 case Davis
18 USC § 17 - Insanity defense
Can an expert give opinion as to whether D was able to form mens rea?
No. Exception to FRE 704
Expert witness must not state an opinion about whether the defendant did or did not have a mental state or condition that constitutes an element of the crime charged or of a defense. Those matters are for the trier of fact alone.
What happens if D found “not guilt by reason of insanity”?
Rule 12.3
If also found to present “substantial risk of bodily injury or serious property damage” must be confined for treatment
To get out, D must show by preponderance of evidence that not a danger
What must D do for “Public Authority Defense”?
D must file notice like pretrial motion
What if D is working for an intelligence agency and wants to claim “Public Authority Defense”?
Rule 12.3
CRT must seal notice
What must D’s notice contain for Pub. Authority Def?
Rule 12.3
- Agency involved;
- Agency D acted for;
- Time D was acting for agency.
What must Gov’t do if get’s notice of Public Authority Defense?
Rule 12.3
1. Admit or deny 14 days after notice - No later than 21 days before trial
- Gov’et may request witnesses 21 days or more before trial
When must D provide witnesses for Public Authority Defense?
Rule 12.3
If Gov’t requests - 14 days after
When must Gov’t provide witnesses in Public Authority Defense?
Rule 12.3
If D gives statement of witnesses - 14 days after
When can joint trial be ordered?
Rule 13
If D or cases could’ve been joined under Rule 8
What cases can be joined at trial?
- Similar character;
- Same transaction;
- Common scheme.
When can Ds be joined at trial?
- Same transaction;
2. Same series of transactions
How does D get relief from prejudicial joinder?
D file Rule 14 motion requesting severance
Does a CRT have to severe trials?
Of course not. But may, or grant other relief.
What may the CRT require of Gov’t in determining Rule 14 severance?
Gov’t submit D’s statements for in camera inspection
What would be a typical severance situation (rare)?
- One offense is much more prejudicial than the other;
- One offense would NOT be independently admissible (Think 404b); and
- Not much overlapping evidence (no judicial economy because different evidence)
What should you argue in severance?
Makes cases too complex, jurors cannot compartmentalize
Doesn’t save time because not much overlap
What can you argue about priors in severance?
One case requires proof of priors SO other case is prejudiced
What is the MOST common reason for severance of cases?
D wishes to testify in Case 1 but not Case 2
What is MOST common severance for Ds?
Dumbass D1 confessed, but doesn’t intend to testify. So, D2 cannot cross-examine D1 about confession 6th A
Bruton ‘68
So, what if D1 confesses but doesn’t testify and D2 can’t cross in joined case?
- Harmless error;
- Both may confess;
- May not be issue if D1 not mentioned in confession;
- D1 confession not admitted, instead give pro se statement;
- Bruton doesn’t change co-conspirator exception
What if D1 will testify FOR D2?
Need affidavit from D1 that intends to testify and will exculpate D2
What are common alternatives to severance?
- Limiting instruction;
- Impanel separate jury;
- Redact portions of D1’s statement;
- Conduct trial in stages
What if Ds have irreconcilable defenses?
“Compromise specific trial right” but still judge’s discretion
Blame shifting is not enough though
Can you move to severe at trial?
Yes. If facts become known at trial, make Rule 14 motion
How do you preserve a Rule 14 severance denial?
Renew motion when prejudice presents itself OR YOU WAIVE!
What’s the review of a Rule 14 denial?
“Resulted in clear or compelling prejudice” AND outweighs Gov’t interest in joint trials
What if a witness is unavailable to COME to trial to testify?
Rule 15 - adjourn to take Depo. BIG 6th Amendment issue 1. Prospective witness unavailable; 2. Material; 3. Depo. would prevent failure of justice
What if witness is detained, so can’t come to trial?
Need exceptional circumstance if party requests depo.
Don’t need exception circumstance if witness requests depo.
What’re the objections to a deposition in trial?
- Confrontation Clause;
- FRCP 15(f) object to admissibility;
- FRE 804
- FRE 402
Which Federal rule applies to discovery?
Rule 16
- D oral statement’s IF Gov’t intends to use - must request
- D written/recorded statements - must request
- D’s prior record - upon request
- Documents & Objects - upon request (inspect)
- If material
- Gov’t intends to use in case in chief
- Gov’t obtained from D - Reports of Examination & Tests - upon request
- Expert Witness - upon request
- WRITTEN SUMMARY!! - opinion, bases, reasons, qualifications
Jencks Act 18 USC 3500 - statements of G witnesses
Is there reciprocal discovery?
If Gov’t complies - yes, for D case in chief NOT impeachment
What is a subpoena for “oral testimony” called?
Subpoena Ad Testificandum
What is a subpoena for “documents” called?
Subpoena Duces Tecum
What is the test for reviewing withheld exculpatory evidence?
“Reasonable Probability” of “Difference Verdict”
What must D show for “New Trial” based on discovery violation?
Substantial Prejudice
- Nature of Evidence
- How it bears on critical issue;
- Reason for violation;
- Strength of evidence;
- Timing of production.
On what basis do you challenge Venue?
Rule 18
Art. III Section 2 of U.S. Constitution
6th Amendment of Constitution
Trial in district of offense
So, can Congress pass a law that changes where venue is?
Can’t change “venue in district where crime committed” BUT can change what is considered “where crime committed”
What’s the Gov’t’s burden for Venue?
Preponderance of Evidence
Where is Venue for conspiracy?
Anywhere conspiracy is furthered
Where is venue for aiding and abetting?
May be where substantive crime occured
Where is venue for money laundering?
Where laundering occurred NOT place where underlying crime occured
Where is venue for crime on “high seas”?
Wherever D arrested
When do you object to Venue?
Always BEFORE verdict
- At close of Gov’t case if not apparent in Indictment;
- Object pretrial if clear from Indictment
How do you object Pretrial to Venue?
- File Bill of Particulars;
2. File motion to dismiss
What do you do if clear in Indictment, but Gov’t fails to prove?
- Move for judgment of acquittal Rule 29;
- Also, object to jury being improperly instructed on venue;
- Cite factors in Rule 18
Can D consent to transfer of venue?
Yes. If going to plea guilty (nolo contendre)
Written request
Gov’t agrees
Can a juvenile case transfer venue?
Yes. If CRT, D counsel, and Gov’t agree and JUV is warned
Can a case be transfered for sentencing?
No.
How many jurors?
12
11 once jury retires (for good cause)
How is Voir Dire conducted?
CRT examines
MUST allow: 1. parties to examine; or 2. parties submit proper questions
How many peremptory challenges does each side get?
Capital 20
Felony Gov’t 6 and D 10
Misd. 3
How many alternates?
Up to 6
What must CRT instruct if alternate juror joins?
Deliberation must begin “anew”
How many peremptory challenges are added for alternate jurors?
1 or 2 then 1
3 or 4 then 2
5 or 6 then 3
How do you challenge jury panel?
“Fair Cross Section” Challenge:
1. excludes distinctive group;
2. not fair representation compared to community;
3. caused by systematic exclusion
(compare population stats to juror stats)
When must you challenge the jury panel?
Before Voir Dire
7 days of discovery with due diligence
Can a magistrate conduct Voir Dire?
Yes, but D may object.
Does the CRT ever have to individually voir dire?
Yes. 5th Cir. on “prejudicial matters”
Can the CRT substitute juror in penalty phase of capital case?
No, must object.
When can a new judge take over?
Upon judge’s death, sickness, or disability
AND new judge certifies familiar with trial record
Usually courts grant mistrial
When must party turn over witness statements?
Rule 26.2
Upon motion after witness testifies
Jencks Act 18 USC 3500
Receiving party gets to review
What if party fails to turn over?
Rule 26.2
- D - then CRT must strike testimony;
- Gov’t - then CRT must grant mistrial “if justice so requires”
What is considered a statement?
Rule 26.2 Under Jencks Act 1. Written or adopted; 2. Substantially verbatim recording/writing 3. Testimony at Grand Jury
When does duty to provide statements apply?
Rule 26.2
- trial;
- prelim hearing;
- Sentencing;
- Revocation;
- Detention Hearing;
- Rule 8 & 28 USC 2255
What about interview notes?
Gov’t MUST produce IF:
- Witness reads (hears) notes entirely;
- Witness formally and unambiguously approves (orally or in writing)
Does a summary after an interview constitute a statement?
No.
What must happen before judge grants a mistrial?
Allow D and Gov't to speak on the matter Party may: 1. Object; or 2. Suggest alternative. !!! D that consents generally waives Double Jeopardy complaint
What rule applies to judgment of acquittal?
Rule 29
When must CRT grant judgment of acquittal?
Rule 29
If evidence insufficient for conviction and moved for at: close of Gov’t case; Close of evidence
You don’t waive by putting on evidence - if didn’t move for Rule 29 then your evidence gets considered
Does the CRT have to rule immediately on Rule 29?
No, but can only consider evidence at time of motion.
When can D renew Rule 29 motion?
14 days after verdict (this can be first time motion made)
What must CRT do if grants Rule 29 AFTER verdict?
Make a preliminary ruling on whether a new trial should be required
What is the standard for Rule 29 motion?
“There is no evidence upon which a reasonable mind might fairly conclude guilt beyond a reasonable doubt”
What if Gov’t did a bad job and you move for Rule 29?
CRT can allow to reopen
If judge grants a partial Rule 29 motion, what should you do?
Request mistrial on prejudice cause by joinder
What should you do if you put on evidence after Rule 29 motion?
RENEW motion
What can Rule 29 be granted for?
Insufficient Evidence or Trial Error (appealable)
How do you frame closing argument objections?
“Fair Trial” and “Misconduct”
Which rule pretains to jury instructions?
Rule 30
When should you request jury instructions?
Limiting Instructions - at time of objection;
Jury Charge - at close of evidence
When can court give jury instructions?
Before or after argument
Do federal charges define “reasonable doubt”?
They can, and can define presumption of innocence
Is it reversible error if CRT excludes 5th A instruction?
Yes, if D objects
How does the rule work for jury instructions objections?
Rule 30
Must make specific objection before the jury retires. Court must allow objection outside presence of jury. CRT must allow other party opportunity to respond.
Can the judge comment on evidence?
Yes, but not suggest an opinion of guilt.
Does judge have to profer entire charge?
No.
What if judge gives different charge than profered to parties?
D must show:
- Prevented him from making argument; OR
- Substantially misled in formulating argument.
D must object AGAIN if presented charge is still objectionable
Which rule controls jury verdict?
Rule 31
Explain how verdict returned:
Rule 31
- Unanimous verdict in open court;
- May return verdict as to any D at any time;
- May return verdict on some counts, and hang on others;
- D may be found guilty of: less, attempt, attempted lesser;
Does federal judge have to poll jurors?
Yes, Rule 31, if party requests.
Must not continue polling if juror expresses lack of unanimity
May not pressure desenting juror
What must the jurors be unanimous on?
“Factual Elements” only
Does 6th Amendment require unanimous verdict?
Yes in Federal
No in State.
How should “elaboration” on verdict be handled?
Should disregard, unless cast doubt on unanimity
What if a juror expresses a reasonable doubt?
5th Cir. - Order to: (1) continue to deliberate; or (2) dismiss