-1- 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

COURT OF APPEALS 

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, 

 Plaintiff-Appellee, 

UNPUBLISHED 

February 21, 2017 

v No. 329900 

Newaygo Circuit Court 

DANIEL JAY WEAVER, LC No. 15-011046-FH 

 Defendant-Appellant. 

Before: MURPHY, P.J., and SAWYER and SWARTZLE, JJ. 

PER CURIAM. 

 Defendant appeals as of right his jury-trial convictions of operating a motor vehicle 

without a valid license, second or subsequent offense, MCL 257.904(3)(b), third-degree fleeing 

and eluding, MCL 257.602a(3), and resisting and obstructing a police officer, MCL 750.81d(1). 

The trial court sentenced defendant as a fourth-offense habitual offender, MCL 769.12, to one 

year incarceration for his motor vehicle conviction, to 46 months to 40 years’ imprisonment for 

the fleeing and eluding conviction, and to 46 months to 15 years in prison for the resisting and 

obstructing conviction. The trial court ordered defendant to serve these sentences concurrently, 

but, because he committed the offenses while out on bond pending charges in a drunk driving 

case, the court ordered him to serve his sentences in this case consecutive to his sentences in the 

drunk driving case. We affirm. 

 In January 2015, defendant was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle 

while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, third offense, and operating a motor vehicle 

while his license was suspended, revoked, or denied, second or subsequent offense. The trial 

court released defendant on bond while he awaited trial on the charges. In March 2015, 

defendant was operating a pickup truck with tinted windows when a state trooper attempted to 

pull him over. Defendant did not slow down and a pursuit took place, with defendant eventually 

driving into a wooded area. The pickup truck became stuck, and the trooper, who had parked his 

cruiser outside of the wooded area, ran up to the truck. The trooper smashed his flashlight 

against a window in the truck, creating holes sufficient for the trooper to see the driver. 

Defendant then hit the accelerator, pulled out of the mire, and was able to escape in the truck. 

Defendant, however, was subsequently apprehended, and the trooper identified defendant as the 

operator of the pickup truck that the trooper had pursued. 
-2- 

 On June 9, 2015, there was a hearing that encompassed both of the criminal cases against 

defendant, which we shall refer to as the “drunk driving case” and the “fleeing and eluding case.” 

The hearing entailed an arraignment relative to the fleeing and eluding case and, apparently, a 

status conference with respect to the drunk driving case. The trial court noted that trial was 

scheduled for July 29, 2015, in the drunk driving case, which was to be presided over by another 

circuit court judge, as the trial court would not be available at that time. Defendant’s appointed 

counsel, who represented defendant in both cases, informed the trial court that the prosecution 

had made plea offers in the two cases, both of which defendant rejected, desiring instead to go to 

trial. Defendant personally confirmed his position on the plea offers. Defendant then expressed 

that he had asked counsel to file two motions in the drunk driving case, but she refused. 

Defendant’s attorney responded by indicating that she had told defendant on multiple occasions 

that there was no legal basis for the motions. Counsel further stated that she could not file the 

motions in good faith. Defendant then began arguing that a police car video in the drunk driving 

case showed that there was no probable cause to pull defendant over and that defendant had not 

been read his chemical test rights. The trial court observed that appointed counsel was not 

defendant’s slave and had no obligation to file frivolous motions. The court stated that defendant 

was free to hire an attorney who could bring the motions, but defendant replied that he lacked the 

funds to do so. Defense counsel then indicated that she was willing to discuss the matter further 

with defendant. The trial court noted that counsel was a “longtime” attorney who knew 

“criminal law pretty well.” Defendant next stated that he wished to sit down with his attorney to 

review the video for purposes of the drunk driving case, at which point counsel asserted that the 

video was extremely long and that she had given a copy of the video to defendant two months 

earlier. The hearing then concluded. 

 On July 17, 2015, in the drunk driving case, defendant’s attorney filed a motion to 

suppress the search and dismiss the charges, along with a motion in limine to exclude prior 

convictions and testimony concerning the preliminary breath test. On July 29, 2015, the 

scheduled day of trial in the drunk driving case, the circuit court granted the motion in limine, 

but denied the motion to suppress and dismiss, prompting defendant to enter a guilty plea that 

day. At the end of the plea hearing, the circuit court pointed out to defendant that his attorney 

had done a fine job advocating for defendant, but the circumstances were “basically beyond her 

control.” Defendant responded, “Yes, sir, I realize that now.”1

 On August 10, 2015, at a pretrial conference relative to the fleeing and eluding case, the 

prosecutor set forth a plea offer that had been made, and defense counsel indicated that, despite 

her recommendation to the contrary, defendant rejected the offer. Defendant personally 

expressed that he did not participate in the alleged offenses; therefore, he would not plead guilty. 

Defendant then stated that he wished to discharge counsel, as she had never given him a chance 

to defend himself and just wanted him to plead guilty. The trial court noted that defendant had 

voiced these complaints about counsel in the drunk driving case, but then he pleaded guilty. The 

 

1

 The circuit court judge who ruled on the motions and accepted defendant’s guilty plea in the 

drunk driving case is not the circuit court judge who handled the proceedings in the fleeing and 

eluding case; we have been and will continue referring to that judge as the “trial court.” 
-3- 

court observed that defendant was “just unreasonable.” The trial court firmly ruled that it would 

not be appointing defendant a new attorney and that defendant was simply attempting to waste 

taxpayer money. Defendant then began complaining about the police car video from the drunk 

driving case and how defense counsel had failed to go over the video with him, resulting in 

defendant being blind-sided by the video. Defense counsel adamantly informed the trial court 

that defendant had been given the video, that defendant indicated that he had reviewed it, and 

that she had talked to defendant in preparation of the trial, which never came to fruition. 

Defendant expressed that counsel did not represent him and that she was trying to have him 

plead guilty for crimes he did not commit. The trial court opined that defendant was very 

difficult to deal with and that any newly-appointed substitute counsel would run into the same 

problems with defendant that existed between defendant and current counsel. The trial court 

observed that appointed counsel was a competent attorney and that it was rare to receive 

complaints about her performance. 

 At a hearing on August 24, 2015, a couple of days before trial, defendant’s attorney 

informed the trial court that defendant had told her several times that he now wanted to represent 

himself at the upcoming trial. The trial court asked defendant if that was how he wished to 

proceed, and defendant responded, “I was hoping for another lawyer, but you denied me that, so 

I’ll represent myself.” The court advised him that he should allow appointed counsel to continue 

representing him, as defendant did not have the training and experience that counsel had in the 

law. The trial court also advised defendant that it would be a serious mistake for him to 

represent himself and that counsel had handled many trials. Despite the court’s warnings, 

defendant expressly indicated that he wished to represent himself at trial. The trial court 

revisited the issue concerning defendant’s request for substitute counsel, touching on memories it 

had in handling part of the drunk driving case, along with information gleaned from reviewing 

the transcripts in that case. The court noted that defendant had complained at length about 

counsel in the drunk driving case, yet defendant ended up pleading guilty and then essentially 

conceded that counsel had performed well. The trial court reiterated, “I believe that no matter 

who I appoint for you, you would be unhappy.” The court directed appointed counsel to be 

present at trial to operate as standby counsel, so as to be available to defendant for any requested 

assistance, although the court emphasized its view that the better course of action for defendant 

would be to allow counsel to simply conduct the trial. Defendant was in agreement with the 

standby arrangement. 

 On the day of trial, August 26, 2015, the trial court again advised defendant that there 

were big risks to representing himself, including a “lack of knowledge of the law and procedure” 

and an emotional entanglement that might prevent the exercise of objective and good judgment. 

The trial court noted that it had informed defendant of the dangers of self-representation at the 

prior proceeding. The court observed that if you have a medical problem, you go to a doctor, 

“and if you have a legal problem you seek a lawyer.” The court as much as pleaded with 

defendant to allow counsel to conduct the trial, while acknowledging that defendant had the 

constitutional right to represent himself. The following colloquy then occurred: 

The court. [H]aving said all that, is it still your wish to proceed 

 to represent yourself during the trial? 

The defendant. Yes, sir. 
-4- 

The trial court next informed defendant of the charges against him and the maximum punishment 

for each offense, warning him that a conviction might result in consecutive sentences, given that 

defendant was out on bond when the charged crimes took place. The court asked defendant if he 

understood the charges and the maximum penalties, and defendant replied, “Yes, sir.” The trial 

court next discussed the latest plea offer made by the prosecution, obtaining defendant’s 

confirmation that defendant was rejecting the offer. The jury trial was then conducted, and 

defendant was found guilty as charged. He now appeals as of right. 

 Defendant first argues that the trial court erred when it allowed him to represent himself 

at trial. Specifically, he contends that the trial court did not substantially comply with the 

requirements of MCR 6.005 and our Supreme Court’s decision in People v Anderson, 398 Mich 

361; 247 NW2d 857 (1976), with respect to self-representation and waiver of the right to 

counsel. This Court reviews the trial court’s factual findings underlying a defendant’s waiver of 

the right to counsel for clear error. People v Russell, 471 Mich 182, 187; 684 NW2d 745 (2004). 

“However, to the extent that a ruling involves an interpretation of the law or the application of a 

constitutional standard to uncontested facts, our review is de novo.” Id. (citations omitted). 

 “The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, made applicable to the states 

through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, provides that ‘[i]n all criminal 

prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to . . . have the Assistance of Counsel for his 

defence.’ ” People v Kammeraad, 307 Mich App 98, 122; 858 NW2d 490 (2014) (citation 

omitted; alteration and ellipsis in original). “The analogous provision of the Michigan 

Constitution provides that ‘[i]n every criminal prosecution, the accused shall have the right to . . . 

have the assistance of counsel for his or her defense[.]’ ” Id., quoting Const 1963, art 1, § 20 

(alterations and ellipsis in original). 

 “The right of self-representation is secured by both the Michigan Constitution, Const 

1963, art 1, § 13, and by statute, MCL 763.1.” People v Dunigan, 299 Mich App 579, 587; 831 

NW2d 243 (2013). “The right of self-representation is also implicitly guaranteed by the Sixth 

Amendment of the United States Constitution.” Id. “[A]lthough the right to counsel and the 

right of self-representation are both fundamental constitutional rights, representation by counsel, 

as guarantor of a fair trial, ‘is the standard, not the exception,’ in the absence of a proper waiver.” 

Russell, 471 Mich at 189-190 (citations omitted). The Russell Court reviewed its earlier decision 

in Anderson and MCR 6.005(D), observing: 

 In People v Anderson, this Court applied the . . . standard for selfrepresentation and established requirements regarding the judicial inquest 

necessary to effectuate a valid waiver and permit a defendant to represent himself. 

Upon a defendant's initial request to proceed pro se, a court must determine that 

(1) the defendant's request is unequivocal, (2) the defendant is asserting his right 

knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily through a colloquy advising the 

defendant of the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation, and (3) the 

defendant's self-representation will not disrupt, unduly inconvenience, and burden 

the court and the administration of the court's business. 

 In addition, a trial court must satisfy the requirements of MCR 6.005(D), 

which provides in pertinent part as follows: 
-5- 

 “The court may not permit the defendant to make an initial waiver of the 

right to be represented by a lawyer without first 

 (1) advising the defendant of the charge, the maximum possible prison 

sentence for the offense, any mandatory minimum sentence required by law, and 

the risk involved in self-representation, and 

 (2) offering the defendant the opportunity to consult with a retained 

lawyer or, if the defendant is indigent, the opportunity to consult with an 

appointed lawyer.” 

 In [People v] Adkins [(After Remand)], [452 Mich 702; 551 NW2d 108 

(1996),] this Court clarified the scope of judicial inquiry required 

by Anderson and MCR 6.005(D) when confronted with an initial request for selfrepresentation. Adkins rejected a “litany approach” in favor of a “substantial 

compliance” standard[.] [Russell, 471 Mich at 190-191 (citations omitted).2

] 

 First, we reject defendant’s argument that his request for self-representation was not 

unequivocal. Although initially defendant portrayed the situation as if the court had effectively 

forced defendant to represent himself by not allowing a substitution of appointed counsel, 

subsequently, as indicated in our recitation of the facts, he unequivocally communicated to the 

court that he wished to represent himself. Moreover, the trial court’s mere denial of defendant’s 

request for substitute counsel cannot be viewed as a ruling that improperly deprived defendant of 

the freedom to choose how he wished to proceed relative to representation. Later in this opinion, 

we affirm the trial court’s denial of substitute counsel. Defendant’s effort to compare this case to 

Russell is entirely misplaced, given that in Russell, the “defendant clearly and unequivocally 

declined self-representation.” Russell, 471 Mich at 184 (emphasis added). Here, defendant 

never declined self-representation; rather, he specifically requested self-representation. 

 Defendant also contends that an effective waiver of the right to counsel was not obtained 

at the hearing conducted two days before trial, given that the trial court did not engage in any 

dialogue to determine whether defendant was asserting his right of self-representation 

knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily, that the court did not ascertain whether defendant 

would disrupt or unduly inconvenience the court by representing himself, that the court failed to 

 

2

 MCR 6.005(E) provides in relevant part: 

 If a defendant has waived the assistance of a lawyer, the record of each 

subsequent proceeding . . . need show only that the court advised the defendant of 

the continuing right to a lawyer's assistance (at public expense if the defendant is 

indigent) and that the defendant waived that right. Before the court begins such 

proceedings, 

 (1) the defendant must reaffirm that a lawyer's assistance is not wanted[.] 
-6- 

inform defendant of the charges and the maximum possible prison sentences, that the court did 

not detail the specific risks of self-representation, and that the court failed to expressly find that 

defendant fully understood, recognized, and agreed to abide by the procedures for waiver of the 

right to counsel. We shall proceed on the assumption that the trial court did not obtain a valid 

invocation of self-representation and waiver of the right to counsel at the hearing two days 

before trial. Instead, we will focus our attention on the day of trial. 

 Defendant maintains that the record of the trial reveals that the court also failed to obtain 

a valid invocation of self-representation and waiver of the right to counsel at that time. 

Defendant argues that the trial court failed to advise him that he had a continuing right to counsel 

at public expense for purposes of MCR 6.005(E), that the court failed to specify the risks 

involved with self-representation, that the court did not ascertain whether defendant would 

disrupt or unduly inconvenience the court by representing himself, and that the court failed to 

expressly find that defendant fully understood, recognized, and agreed to abide by the procedures 

for waiver of the right to counsel. 

 With respect to defendant’s argument that the trial court failed to advise him that he had a 

continuing right to counsel at public expense for purposes of MCR 6.005(E) (see our footnote 2), 

the court rule pertains to situations in which a defendant effectively waives the assistance of a 

lawyer and then finds himself or herself at a subsequent hearing; we, however, are assessing 

whether an effective waiver occurred on the day of trial. Moreover, given the history of the case, 

defendant was well-aware of the fact that he had a right to counsel. Indeed, defendant exercised 

that right earlier by accepting the services of appointed counsel and attempted to exercise it again 

when requesting a substitute attorney. At the trial, the court sought to convince defendant to 

have his now standby counsel try the case, while hesitantly expressing to defendant that he did 

have the right to represent himself if that was the course he wished to take. The trial court thus 

effectively communicated to defendant that he had a right to counsel. 

 Next, contrary to defendant’s argument, the trial court adequately informed defendant of 

the risks involved in self-representation, warning him that he lacked knowledge of the law and 

procedure, that an attorney is the person best suited to handle legal problems, and that emotional 

entanglements associated with self-representation can distract one from exercising sound 

judgment. The court also noted that it had previously warned defendant of the risks of selfrepresentation.3

 Under these circumstances, we hold that defendant knowingly, intelligently, and 

voluntarily asserted his right of self-representation. Russell, 471 Mich at 190. Further, as 

required by MCR 6.005(D), the trial court advised defendant of the charges and the maximum 

possible prison sentences, along with affording defendant the opportunity to consult with an 

attorney regarding waiver of the right to counsel. It was defendant’s attorney who first indicated 

that defendant wished to represent himself, and she was present at the trial and available to 

defendant for consultation. 

 

3

 At the hearing on August 24, 2015, the trial court warned defendant that “you need to be 

mindful of the fact that . . . the law is a complicated field, and a lawyer is required to have years 

of law school education [and] pass a bar exam.” 
-7- 

 Additionally, although the trial court did not expressly determine that defendant would 

not disrupt or unduly inconvenience the court by representing himself, we fail to see the 

relevancy of this factor, considering that the court allowed defendant to represent himself, 

thereby suggesting that the court had no real concerns about defendant’s behavior. The trial 

court had previously opined that defendant is “reasonably intelligent.” An implicit assertion in 

defendant’s challenge regarding this factor is that he indeed should have been viewed by the 

court as a person who would disrupt or unduly inconvenience the court by self-representation. 

But defendant fails to contend that, during the trial, he actually was disruptive or that he unduly 

inconvenienced the court. And the record does not support a conclusion that the trial court 

should have found defendant potentially disruptive or a potential undue inconvenience, such that 

he should not have been permitted to represent himself. 

 Finally, we address defendant’s contention that the court failed to expressly find that 

defendant fully understood, recognized, and agreed to abide by the procedures for waiver of the 

right to counsel. This requirement comes from language in Russell, 471 Mich at 191. It is plain 

to us that the trial court concluded that defendant fully understood, recognized, and agreed to 

abide by the waiver of counsel procedures. The court asked defendant several times if he 

understood the information related to waiver and self-representation given to him by the court, 

and defendant always responded in the affirmative. Although the trial court did not make an 

“express” finding, the court otherwise substantially complied with Anderson and MCR 6.005(D), 

and reversal is unwarranted for this singular failure. See People v Campbell, __ Mich App __, 

__; __ NW2d __ (2016); slip op at 4 (holding that a court’s similar failure did not warrant 

reversal). 

 Defendant next argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it denied his request 

for substitute counsel. This Court reviews a trial court’s decision on a defendant’s motion for the 

appointment of substitute counsel for an abuse of discretion. People v McFall, 309 Mich App 

377, 382; 873 NW2d 112 (2015). In McFall, this Court recited the applicable principles 

regarding substitution of appointed counsel: 

 An indigent defendant is guaranteed the right to counsel; however, he is 

not entitled to have the attorney of his choice appointed simply by requesting that 

the attorney originally appointed be replaced. Substitution of counsel is warranted 

only upon a showing of good cause and where substitution will not unreasonably 

disrupt the judicial process. Good cause may exist when a legitimate difference of 

opinion develops between a defendant and his appointed counsel as to a 

fundamental trial tactic, when there is a destruction of communication and 

a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, or when counsel shows a lack of 

diligence or interest. A mere allegation that a defendant lacks confidence in his or 

her attorney, unsupported by a substantial reason, does not amount to adequate 

cause. Likewise, a defendant's general unhappiness with counsel's representation 

is insufficient. [McFall, 309 Mich App at 382-383 (citations and quotation marks 

omitted).] 

 Defendant maintains that there were irreconcilable differences between counsel and 

defendant concerning fundamental trial tactics and that there was a breakdown in the attorneyclient relationship. Defendant sets forth five specific grounds in support of his argument. First, 
-8- 

defendant points to the disagreement below over whether to file certain motions. These motions 

pertained to the drunk driving case. We fail to see how a disagreement regarding the filing of 

motions in a separate and distinct case establishes a legitimate difference of opinion on 

fundamental trial tactics in a different case. The argument is meritless. To the extent that 

defendant relies on the dispute regarding the motions in the drunk driving case to show a general 

breakdown of the attorney-client relationship so as to also impact the fleeing and eluding case, 

the argument is not persuasive, given that counsel agreed to work with defendant and then 

actually filed the motions. This ground did not merit appointment of substitute counsel. 

 Second, defendant relies on his assertion below that he begged counsel to review the 

evidence with him as he sat in jail. Scrutinizing the transcript page cited by defendant in support 

of this argument, it is clear that defendant at the pretrial hearing on August 10, 2015, was 

referring to the police car video. Again, this evidence arose out of the drunk driving case, not the 

relevant fleeing and eluding case. Furthermore, defendant ultimately conceded during his plea 

that counsel had done a fine job advocating for defendant in the drunk driving case. 

Accordingly, we cannot conclude that counsel’s performance in the drunk driving case serves as 

a legitimate basis to show a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship for purposes of the 

fleeing and eluding case. This ground did not merit appointment of substitute counsel. 

 Third, defendant points to his claim below that counsel failed to review the evidence with 

him. Checking the transcript citation of the pretrial hearing proffered by defendant, we find, 

once again, that this argument pertained to the drunk driving case. Therefore, it fails for the 

reasons enunciated in the preceding paragraph. This ground did not merit appointment of 

substitute counsel. 

 Fourth, defendant cites his complaint below that counsel failed to obtain the evidence that 

he needed, which he could not do on his own given his incarceration. Examining the transcript 

pages of the pretrial hearing cited in support of defendant’s argument, the court had just 

informed defendant that he was headed back to jail and that counsel would do the best she could 

on his behalf when defendant asked, “What about the evidence I need to accumulate, Your 

Honor?” The trial court replied that counsel would take care of the matter. There is nothing in 

the transcript remotely suggesting that counsel had failed to obtain pertinent evidence or that 

defendant even accused counsel of failing to do so. This ground did not merit appointment of 

substitute counsel. 

 Fifth, defendant refers to his complaints below that counsel never discussed the merits of 

the case with him and simply wanted him to plead guilty. Merely recommending acceptance of a 

plea offer, which recommendation, in hindsight, defendant should have followed, did not warrant 

substitution of counsel. At trial, defendant stated that he wanted counsel to sit nearby, as he was 

“counting on her” for assistance, belying any claim of a breakdown in the attorney-client 

relationship. Also, comments made by counsel at the trial indicated that she was very familiar 

with the case and that she had discussed the case with defendant, including in regard to the 

subject of whether defendant should take the stand. We find that defendant’s complaints 

essentially reflected nothing more than a general unhappiness with counsel's representation. This 

ground did not merit appointment of substitute counsel. 
-9- 

 Additionally, the trial court was clearly frustrated with defendant, noting several times 

that defendant would have the same problems and issues with any substitute attorney. The court 

effectively found that defendant was engaging in gamesmanship.4

 We conclude that the record 

fully supports the trial court’s view. Moreover, contrary to defendant’s argument, defendant 

never voiced any sound and specific ground in support of substitution of counsel that would have 

necessitated an evidentiary hearing. In sum, defendant fails to show that good cause existed for 

the appointment of substitute counsel, and the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying 

defendant’s request for a new attorney. 

 Defendant next argues that the prosecutor violated his right to due process by repeatedly 

drawing attention to defendant’s post-arrest, post-Miranda5 silence in both his opening statement 

and closing argument, as well as during the direct examination of the police officer who had 

pursued defendant. We review de novo issues of constitutional law. People v Shafier, 483 Mich 

205, 211; 768 NW2d 305 (2009). Because defendant did not object to the prosecutor’s questions 

or his opening and closing comments, we review defendant’s argument for plain error affecting 

his substantial rights. Id.; People v Carines, 460 Mich 750, 763-764; 597 NW2d 130 (1999). 

 In Shafier, 483 Mich at 212-213, our Supreme Court recited the governing principles 

pertinent to defendant’s argument: 

 The United States Constitution guarantees that no person “shall be 

compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” US Const, Am V. 

Miranda . . . established guidelines for law enforcement agencies and courts to 

follow in order to protect the privilege against compelled self-incrimination 

during custodial police interrogations. Thus, under Miranda, every person subject 

to interrogation while in police custody must be warned, among other things, that 

the person may choose to remain silent in response to police questioning. As a 

general rule, if a person remains silent after being arrested and 

given Miranda warnings, that silence may not be used as evidence against that 

person. Therefore, in general, prosecutorial references to a defendant's post-arrest, 

post-Miranda silence violate a defendant's due process rights under the 

Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. [Citations and 

quotation marks omitted.] 

 The police officer testified that after defendant was arrested, he questioned defendant at 

the county jail after reading defendant his Miranda rights. The officer asserted that defendant 

claimed that “he was not the one driving the truck.” According to the officer, defendant stated 

that he had an alibi. The officer then testified, “he told me that he was not willing to provide me 

with any names or locations that he was at at the time.” The officer indicated that defendant 

informed him that defendant had no obligation to divulge the nature of his alibi. Defendant then 

 

4

 We note that defendant waited until two weeks before the scheduled trial to ask for new 

counsel. 

5 Miranda v Arizona, 384 US 436; 86 S Ct 1602; 16 L Ed 2d 694 (1966). 
-10- 

asked whether the officer could get the charges dropped if defendant gave him specifics 

regarding the alibi. The officer responded that he would first have to investigate the alibi, at 

which point defendant expressed that he needed an attorney. The interrogation then ceased. At 

trial, defendant presented a specific alibi defense involving his girlfriend and a former girlfriend. 

The prosecutor adamantly commented on defendant’s failure to tell the officer these details 

during the interrogation and on defendant’s affirmative statement that he would not provide the 

officer with details, rendering unbelievable the alibi proffered at trial. The prosecutor argued 

that defendant did not give the officer the particulars of the claimed alibi because defendant had 

not yet concocted the phony alibi that was presented for the first time at trial. 

 In Berghuis v Thompkins, 560 US 370, 381-382; 130 S Ct 2250; 176 L Ed 2d 1098 

(2010), the United States Supreme Court held: 

 There is good reason to require an accused who wants to invoke his or her 

right to remain silent to do so unambiguously. A requirement of an unambiguous 

invocation of Miranda rights results in an objective inquiry that avoids difficulties

of proof and . . . provides guidance to officers on how to proceed in the face of 

ambiguity. If an ambiguous act, omission, or statement could require police to end 

the interrogation, police would be required to make difficult decisions about an 

accused's unclear intent and face the consequence of suppression if they guess 

wrong. Suppression of a voluntary confession in these circumstances would place 

a significant burden on society's interest in prosecuting criminal activity. Treating 

an ambiguous or equivocal act, omission, or statement as an invocation 

of Miranda rights might add marginally to Miranda’s goal of dispelling the 

compulsion inherent in custodial interrogation. But as Miranda holds, full 

comprehension of the rights to remain silent and request an attorney are sufficient 

to dispel whatever coercion is inherent in the interrogation process. 

 Thompkins did not say that he wanted to remain silent or that he did not 

want to talk with the police. Had he made either of these simple, unambiguous 

statements, he would have invoked his right to cut off questioning. Here he did 

neither, so he did not invoke his right to remain silent. [Citations, quotation 

marks, and alteration brackets omitted; ellipsis in original.] 

 In the instant case, once defendant validly waived his right to remain silent by 

participating in the interrogation, the officer was permitted to continue to interrogate defendant 

until defendant unambiguously asserted his right to remain silent. Defendant simply did not 

invoke his right to remain silent and end the interrogation prior to stating that he had an alibi and 

that he would not share the details of the alibi with police. Indeed, defendant thereafter 

continued to freely speak with the officer, with the interrogation only ending when defendant 

later indicated that he needed a lawyer. Moreover, the officer’s testimony and the prosecutor’s 

remarks concerned defendant’s actual statements, not his mere silence. For that reason, the facts 

are not similar to those in cases where the defendant’s silence had little or no probative value 

because it occurred after the defendant received Miranda warnings and reflected nothing more 

than the exercise of the arrestee’s right to remain silent. See Doyle v Ohio, 426 US 610, 617-

618; 96 S Ct 2240; 49 L Ed 2d 91 (1976); see also Shafier, 483 Mich at 215-217 (relating that 
-11- 

the defendant made no statements when arrested and that the prosecutor relied on his silence in 

the face of the accusations against him as evidence). 

 Further, assuming plain error, we simply cannot conclude that defendant was prejudiced 

by the presumed error, i.e., “that the error affected the outcome of the lower court proceedings.” 

Carines, 460 Mich at 763. Additionally, the assumed error did not result in the conviction of an 

actually innocent defendant or seriously affect the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the 

proceedings. Id. Reversal is unwarranted. 

 In defendant’s Standard 4 brief, he argues that he is entitled to a new trial because the 

trial court was biased against him, that the trial court actively participated in the plea bargaining 

process and then punished him with a more severe sentence after he rejected the plea, that trial 

counsel was ineffective in numerous instances, and that the trial court wrongfully revoked his 

bail and, thereafter, wrongfully refused to allow him to be released on bail pending trial. After 

careful review, we reject all of these frivolous arguments, given that they are wholly unsupported 

by the record and or the law, or would not justify reversal even if meritorious; nothing argued by 

defendant supports reversal of his convictions or sentences. 

 Affirmed. 

/s/ William B. Murphy 

/s/ David H. Sawyer 

/s/ Brock A. Swartzle