Document: 474 U.S. 159 106 S.Ct. 477 88 L.Ed.2d 481 MAINE, Petitioner,v.Perley MOULTON, Jr. No. 84-786. Argued Oct. 8, 1985. Decided Dec. 10, Syllabus Respondent, represented by retained counsel, pleaded not guilty in a Maine Superior Court to charges of theft receiving automotive vehicles and parts. Respondent's codefendant Colson informed the police that he had received anonymous threatening telephone calls regarding pending indicated wished talk about charges. Before meeting with police, met respondent plan for upcoming trial, and, according Colson, suggested possibility killing State's witness. Thereafter, his lawyer officers, confessed participation committing crimes which they been indicted agreed testify against cooperate prosecution on if no further were brought Colson. also consented have recording device placed telephone, record any threats or from respondent. Having learned recorded going meet defense strategy obtained Colson's consent be equipped body wire transmitter meeting. Although was instructed attempt question at meeting, remarks fact caused make incriminating statements. The trial court denied respondent's pretrial motion suppress statements made as having violation right assistance counsel under Sixth Fourteenth Amendments ground recordings other reasons. Some admitted evidence, convicted some Supreme Judicial reversed remanded new trial. Held: Amendment violated admission him after indictment two Pp. 168-180. (a) is necessary safeguard procedural safeguards provided accused criminal justice process. Accordingly, limited trial; deprive person during period prior may more damaging than denial itself. Whatever else it mean, means least entitled help time judicial proceedings initiated him. 168-170. (b) Once has attached asserted, State must honor it. At very least, prosecutor an affirmative obligation act manner circumvents thereby dilutes protection afforded counsel. Spano v. New York, 360 315, 79 1202, 3 1265 (1959); Massiah United States, 377 201, 84 1199, 12 246 (1964); States Henry, 447 264, 100 2183, 65 115 (1980). 170-174. (c) misreads Massiah, supra, contending decisive those cases set up confrontation between agent elicited, thus rights here because rather conversations. guarantees accused, initiation formal charges, rely "medium" State. Knowing exploitation opportunity confront without being present much breach circumvent intentional creation such opportunity. 174-176. (d) In this case, clearly when arranged conversations its undercover informant, When requested wear respondent, knew would constitutional their consulting By concealing State, consult guaranteed Amendment. 176-177. (e) There merit argument should suppressed other, legitimate reasons listening namely, investigate alleged kill witness insure safety. This same rejected where held allow evidence whenever assert need justify surveillance invites abuse law enforcement personnel form fabricated investigations risks evisceration right. Evidence relevant yet admissible 178-180. A.2d 155 (D.Me.1984), affirmed. BRENNAN, J., delivered opinion Court, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, POWELL, STEVENS, JJ., joined. BURGER, C.J., filed dissenting opinion, WHITE REHNQUIST, joined, Parts I III O'CONNOR, post, p. 181. Wayne Stuart Moss, Augusta, Me., petitioner. Anthony Whitcomb Beardsley, Ellsworth, Justice BRENNAN Court. 1 presented case whether codefendant, secret government 2 * On night January 15, 1981, officers Belfast, Maine, responded fire call vicinity Belfast Dodge automobile dealership. Arriving scene, discovered burning Chevrolet dump truck recognized vehicle reported stolen.1 After examining truck, searched building located property. part dealership, but leased Perley Moulton Gary who using space restore sell old Ford Mustangs. Inside, several recent automobile-related thefts. April 7, Waldo County grand jury returned indictments charging four counts Me.Rev.Stat.Ann., Tit. 17-A, § 359 (1983). Specifically, received, retained, disposed 1978 pickup 1970 Mustang automobile, assorted Motor Company parts knowing these stolen intending owners possession. 9, appeared before entered pleas guilty. Both enlarged bail Numerous proceedings, unnecessary detail here, occurred ensuing year half. 4 November 4, 1982, complained Robert Keating, Chief Police Department, Moulton, Keating told speak back. 5 6, restaurant According Elwell, witness, discussed how commit murder. 6 9 accompanied lawyer, Detective Rexford Kelley. meetings, gave full confessions indicted. addition, merely parts, broken into local dealership steal stated committed offered deal: otherwise cooperate.2 7 Kelley Moulton's inchoate Elwell. requested, consented, telephone. turn call, off immediately unless threat caller Moulton. 8 over month. threats, spoke three times period, tapes turned police. first conversation, 22, concerned primarily personal matters. only reference "heard anything lawyer," response not, "come method" "ha[d] work out details on," "[s]ome day [he'd] like get together [Colson] it." then living Hampshire, said planning visit around Christmas. second December 2, prompted receipt copies witnesses, including Elwell; Most (on side particularly) Elwell Elwell's brother, frame reading statement phone commented "[t]his big joke, man."3 jokingly flee Acapulco, vehemently suggestion, stating: "No, I'm gonna stay fight man. ain't framed nothing." assented suggested, "we'll sometime. . ." reminded visiting Christmas, conversation ended incriminated 10 third took place 14, similar one. nothing inculpatory continued insist framed. asked aside entire so them could defense. They Sunday, 26. 11 learning planned 26, what later testified did safety realized cooperating concerning witnesses. aware discuss already indictment. "not just himself conversation. 26 expected conversations, consisted prolonged discussion charges—what actually occurred, show, do obtain verdict acquittal. idea eliminating witnesses briefly mentioned early short discussion, encouraged Colson,4 concluded think work. remainder lengthy spent discussing case. decided create false alibis Because sought conform closely possible really happened, involved recounting crimes. described happened month earlier, now frequently professed unable recall events. Apologizing poor memory, repeatedly remind technique numerous statements.5 Nor all memory lapses related events required fabricate convincing alibis. "reminisced" surrounding various thefts, too elicited additional For example, many locks drilled obviously developing alibi. Similarly, questioned heater. Later, drew forth admissions dumping pond scavenged load potatoes another onto road. Each 13 arguing, inter alia, Amendments. hearing, motion. found "in order gather information Mr. receiving, protect defendant plans Elwell." 14 Meanwhile, role informant revealed dismissed seven These realleged charged addition burglary, arson, contained indictments, improper venue. waived proceeded remaining covered subjects original theft. offer portions principally involving direct thefts originally portion one testimony. conclusion count venue arson charge. guilty, however, burglary connection 15 appealed convictions cross-appeal objecting dismissal granted both appeals (D.Me.1984). Regarding there "ample evidence" support court's finding wired purposes, "[r]eference motive to, cannot wholly refute, infringement counsel." Id., 160. use "knew, known" pending. Pointing close relationship purpose "fully longer stood adversarial position Moulton," held: 16 "When recommended intentionally created situation knew, known, likely result making police's valid investigating does immunize attack. Those investigation which, made, adversary commenced. But attached, ruled inadmissible given circumstances acquired." 161. 17 We petition certiorari. 469 1206, 105 1167, 319 (1985). affirm. II A. 18 indispensable fair administration our system justice.S6 Embodying "a realistic recognition obvious truth average professional legal skill himself," Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 462-463, 58 1019, 1022, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938), deemed essential proceeding. Sutherland's oft-quoted explanation Powell Alabama, 287 45, 53 55, 77 158 (1932), bears repetition here: 19 "The heard be, cases, little avail comprehend Even intelligent educated layman small sometimes science law. If crime, incapable, generally, determining good bad. He unfamiliar rules evidence. Left aid put proper charge, upon incompetent irrelevant issue inadmissible. lacks knowledge adequately prepare defense, even though perfect requires guiding hand every stage him." 68-69, S.Ct., 64 (quoted Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, 344-345, 83 792, 797, 799 (1963)). 20 As last sentence paragraph, Recognizing shaped we attaches "critical" stages process "where results might well settle accused's fate reduce itself mere formality." Wade, 388 218, 224, 87 1926, 1931, 1149 (1967) Gouveia, 467 180, 189, 104 2292, 2298, 81 146 (1984)). See, e.g., Coleman 399 1, 90 1999, 387 (1970); Hamilton 368 52, 157, 114 (1961); White Maryland, 373 59, 1050, 193 (1963); Escobedo Illinois, 378 478, 1758, 977 Kirby 406 682, 92 1877, 32 411 (1972). And, "[w]hatever Brewer Williams, 430 387, 398, 97 1232, 1239, 51 424 (1977). because, " 'the prosecute, adverse positions solidified. It finds faced prosecutorial forces organized society, immersed intricacies substantive law.' U.S., 2298 (quoting 689, 1882). B 21 course it.7 simply prevent obtaining imposes respect preserve choice seek assistance. occasions called clarify scope regard, clear that, 22 (1959), defendant, indicted, coercively interrogated until hours morning despite repeated requests see lawyer. A unanimous conviction confession interrogation involuntary therefore Four Justices, concurring opinions, reached Spano's violated. Justices reasoned permit "produce vital useful conviction" absence deny "effective representation advice 325-326, 1208-1209 (Douglas, concurring, joined Black JJ.); also, id., 326-327, 1209 (Stewart, Douglas JJ.). succinctly point, "what defendant's effective if, while awaiting can confesses?" 326, 1209. 23 adopted (1964). along man named Colson,8 conspiracy possess distribute cocaine. released bail. meanwhile, Government agents continuing narcotics activity others thought engaged. permitted install radio front seat automobile. listened radio. statements, through testimony agent. Massiah's stressed interview indictment, Relying Douglas' concurrence, for, consequently applied equally extrajudicial setting 204, 1202.9 Consequently, "[Massiah] basic protections [the counsel] used own words, federal deliberately 206, 1203. 24 principle most recently Henry arrested bank robbery. Counsel appointed, jail Nichols, inmate paid Federal Bureau Investigation, housed cellblock prisoners, Henry. Nichols pay attention expressly initiate subsequently engaged Henry's convicted. 25 reversed, 'deliberately elicited' within meaning Massiah." 270, 2186. Several facts emphasized THE CHIEF JUSTICE's Court: acting incentive produce information; unaware Nichols' informant; finally, incarcerated place. With fact, "confinement bring play subtle influences will [an individual] particularly susceptible ploys agents," facilitated "apparent status sharing common plight." 274, 2189. Considering light circumstances, "deliberately secure present" 270-271, 2187. argued responsible conduct intended take steps argument, "must information. 271, held, "[b]y creating induce C contends elicited. Supported amicus curiae, maintains equivalent step. concludes here. 27 place, identity party instigated important decisions Thus, defendant,10 discovers looking opinions Appeals. Court's since whom pertinent disposition. Moreover, years summarily led informant. Beatty 389 234, 48 (per curiam ). Solicitor General today, Brief Opposition, O.T. 1967, 338, pp. 5-8; cited Massiah.11 Finally, "irrelevant arrange fortunate enough proximity accused." 272, n. 2187, 10. 28 Beyond this, limit holdings fundamentally misunderstands nature cases. noted above, guarantee includes accorded invoking determination particular action state violates obligation. whenever—by luck happenstance—the obtains attached. See 276, 2189 (POWELL, concurring). However, knowingly circumventing agent.12 29 Applying hand, meet, let said. request, knew—as known conversations—that express trial.13 "fortunate accused" excuse circumstances. Amendment.14 IV 30 argues nevertheless contended deliberate efforts excluded "the right, indeed duty, continue [Massiah] associates. There, circumstance justified cured acts purposes. "We entirely suspected activities confederates, All hold disclosed, constitutionally trial." 207, 1203 (emphasis omitted). 31 reaffirm holding, states sensible solution difficult problem. interest thorough filed. Investigations either type crime require individuals officials individual formally discover crime.15 seeking pertaining Government's investigative powers are accused. To alternative, reason Massiah. exclude obtained, time, unnecessarily frustrate public's activities. withstanding crimes, counsel.16 circumvented agent, irrelevant. decision 33 ordered. REHNQUIST join, O'CONNOR joins III, dissenting. 34 Today holds prohibits postindictment good-faith separate Nothing whatever Constitution supports bizarre result, creates "right" possibly habitual offenders persist dissent reverse. 35 reaching issues, factual basis acted understood. Since glosses facts, review briefly. 36 felony goods, telephoned "threatening calls" "it gone far." desire tell giving rise indictment; appropriately cautioned attorney saying more. 37 Two days later, met. Respondent "[g]etting rid couple witnesses," key formulated general murder; pick car endeavor. 38 Rex office attorney. connected threats. One Duke Ducaster, threatened personally Another Herman Peasley, "had cup acid thrown face" talked home back eliminate finalized calls. 39 Three recorded. first, apparent away wanted "work[ed] reviewed extent again himself1 referred threatened. "review whole plan." 40 recorder/transmitter recorder safety, understanding "number my safety" witnesses." 3," "no." "to himself, converse normally, avoid trying draw Moulton." 41 During prompting air gun hollow-tipped darts explosives.2 presentation transcript indicted; admitted. refused "for purposes gathering [respondent] indicted—i.e., [respondent's] careful finding. 42 today "[t]o Ante, 180. deference am bound turns head positing asking "alternative, reasons" sufficient violation. it, motivated surveillance, occurred. Indeed, failed endangering life talking them, view subject censure. 43 Analysis begin Hoffa 385 293, 408, 374 (1966), opinion. Hoffa, "relat[ing] commission quite offense," 308, 416, properly subsequent crime. Other courts viewed later-decided prohibit introduction faith offense different Mealer Jones, 741 F.2d 1451, 1455 (CA2 1984), cert. denied, 471 1006, 1871, 85 164 (1985); Lisenby, 716 1355, 1357-1359 (CA11 1983) (en banc). 44 introduced apart murder obstruct justice. majority concedes much: "Incriminating are, course, offenses." 16. follows impermissible based revelations. succeeded convict shows recordings, able notes secured pursuing leads. 167. 45 Courts ought applaud kind diligent shown record. suggest have—or conducted way. Yet, inexplicably, highly probative reliable produced anomaly position, then, Far problem," ante, 179, modestly suggests, aberration conferring windfall benefit another. "magic cloak," DeWolf, 696 (CA1 1982), criminals engage multiple offenses investigations. 46 occurs elicit[s]" comments defendant. 1203, 2186, foregoing amply demonstrates, "deliberate elicitation" end inquiry. phrase elicitation," surely denote elicitation Here elicit found, 'for indicted.' 155, 160 (Me.1984) court). 47 No holding recognizes "speaks indicted." Hinton, 543 1002, 1015 (CA2), sub nom. Carter 429 980, 493, 50 589 (1976).3 275, 2189, quoted Disciplinary Rule 7-104(A)(1) American Bar Association's Code Professional Responsibility, provides 'a shall [c]ommunicate cause communicate knows matter' added). Our rule illustrates terms regard "subject representation." where, gathered "an reason," circumvention exists. seems rest notion excludable 'must known' accused," 176, 12, inquiry mandated spite of, consequence. Cf. Wayte 470 598, 1524, 547 rationally "planned interference 49 inappropriate designed integrity 1201. Merritts, 527 713, (CA7 1975). undertook undoubtedly sanction. 7-102(A)(7) [c]ounsel assist client illegal fraudulent." Thus warrant vindicating An observation attorney-client evidentiary privilege mention takes flight relation abused. consults serve fraud told." Clark 289 465, 469, 993 (1933). product thwart inapplicable situations misconduct countenanced. "so long show bad institute pretext avoiding dictates Darwin, 757 1193, 1199 1985). actions steered prohibitions. Until prevailing successors crimes.4 leading commentators observed: "Even [Brewer v.] [430 (1977),] generally accepted bar contact offenses, unrelated appear charge gain custody facilitate investigation. recognize [Massiah progeny do] confer defendants immunity especially true ongoing one, forthcoming prosecution." W. LaFave & J. Israel, Criminal Procedure 6.4, (1984) added) (footnotes 52 Rather expand beyond boundaries currently recognized, note "Massiah certainly extended outermost point." 282, 2193 (BLACKMUN, dissenting). limits precedent logic. prepared join enlargement Amendment, serious doubts extending reach exclusionary cover "Cases deprivations remedies tailored injury suffered infringe competing interests." Morrison, 449 361, 364, 101 665, 667, 66 564 (1981). Application makes sense, demonstrated "weighing costs benefits preventing prosecution's chief inherently trustworthy tangible evidence." Leon, 468 897, 907, 3405, 3412, 677 (1984). 54 costs, applying elicits excludes "typically often bearing guilt innocence defendant." Stone Powell, 428 490, 96 3037, 3050, 1067 (1976). threaten fairness factfinding process." 414, 1247, (1977) Hence, application "deflects truthfinding process," "often frees guilty," "generat[e] disrespect [the] justice." 490-491, 3051. 55 Against appears precious way offsetting "benefits." Like searches Fourth "wrong" condemns accomplished" neither nor cure invasion suffered." 906, 3412 (internal quotation 56 premised deterrence certain types explained, "[t]he deterrent necessarily assumes willful, negligent, deprived right." Peltier, 422 531, 539, 95 2313, (1975). build excluding affect behavior all. exclusion "cannot expected, applied, deter objectively reasonable activity." 919, 3418. impossible identify "misconduct" anything, encouraged. saved lives potential 57 seems, claims "closely parallel Amendment," Brewer, 1247 concurring), weighing applications. supra (exclusionary defective search issued neutral magistrate); (where litigate issues afforded, raised habeas petition). stronger constable blundered.' 274-275, People DeFore, 242 N.Y. 13, 21, 150 N.E. 585, 587 (1926) (Cardozo, J.)). significantly unjustifiably departs holdings, respectfully dissent. tip earlier Dodge, main facility. Seven months sentenced years' imprisonment, suspended, probation years. restitution $2,000 probationary period. recommendation accordingly. never received. exchange went follows: "[Moulton:] You know them. Remember before? "[Colson:] Yes, you way? Yeah, don't go Is foolproof? fairly Well me [hear it]." explained considered rifles shoot poisoned joking magazine readers bombs large numbers people. Exh. S-4, Tr. Meeting 18-19. began doing vetoed discovery materials, outside copies. While gone, sighed heavily whispered "[o]h boy, hope this" microphone. Then, moments stated, slowly deliberately: "I want dates. date remember Caps [Moulton's nickname], can't remember, December, break Lothrop Ford? What date?" 23. (1963): "[R]eason reflection us justice, haled assured truth. Governments, federal, spend vast sums money establish machinery try Lawyers prosecute everywhere orderly society. few indeed, fail hire best lawyers defenses. That hires defend strongest indications widespread belief necessities, luxuries. fundamental trials countries, ours." 344, 796. (1977): "[T]he medium demands commitments sovereign communicated citizen. If, run, seriously individual's dishonor promise lawyer." 415, 1248 (STEVENS, concurring) (footnote parties taken pains assure friend unrelated. Stewart "no reflects established ago Alabama," 'during perhaps critical say, arraignment beginning consultation, thoroughgoing preparation [are] vitally important, [of itself.' 205, 1202 57, (1932)). vice versa. Second Circuit instructions invited case; establishes 307 62, (2nd Cir.1962); 72 (Hays, plausible proposed car. assertion Appeals car, although inference logical enough. App. 1963, 199, 125a-175a (testimony Agent Murphy). brief suggests survive (1977), contends, modified Government. Amicus Curiae 17, 12. 2187 ("While interrogation, absent waiver, satisfy persuaded, Williams test"). 1979, 121, Direct proof seldom available clear, suffices engaging active reveal—and reveal—to persons agents. Under participating functional interrogation." 277, 2190 disclose "frequently pressed A.2d, "listening post" participate prompt replies. inducing instructing "be "act normal," interrogate" Hearing Motion Suppress 42, 51, 56. likelihood cellmate less co-defendant far explicit. 268, 2185, More importantly, inadequate. protects confronted matters present. soon inevitable once event, reject suggestion rights. concern served behave unnaturally ask questions, tipping explain actively questioning taint normal." questions problems. contrary, "elimination anything." 51. brief, claim answered inadequate justification flavor post hoc rationalization inception, primary charges." 23-24. So saying, asks distinguish "separate" needed identities buyer importing find 26-27. General's characterization posed correct, distinction make. rationalizing examples allegedly feel investigations, instead accept dual exist someone. Incriminating offenses. Contrary him," 164, rehearsed story trial: bought. that. buy those. [M]ustang And [M]ustang, bought that? Yeah. Ok. It's coincidence ah, [h]ot whatever. You've got bill sale Mustang. So, know, hell? say?" S-3, Conversation 4-5. deep sigh said: but, Well, it]. guns. feather you've seen em. darts, things long. [was] thinking hollow needle holes side, fill lethal injection shooting impact stuff [and] poison [th]em. noise. Jesus. That's thing runs brain puncture wound, probably minutes kick off, yeah, problem poison, poison? Small bottles. once? Calcium chlorine ., something drop look heart attack you'd never, exactly drug. Stops your heart." 18-20. alternative scheme explosives pursuant directions "best friends" sending. belonged motorcycle gang" ominously "[p]robably snuffed people." 21. read definitively addresses belied holding: (1964) (first emphasis "circumstances disclosed" Government, "instructed relating [for indicted]." (1980) concurring); Petitioner 4. 1982); Grieco Meachum, 533 717-718 1976), Cassesso 858, 158, 135 (1976); 1975); Taxe, 540 961, 968-969 (CA9 1040, 737, 751 (1977); 1200 1985); Crawford So.2d 145, 156 (Ala.Crim.App.), (Ala.1979), vacated remanded, 448 904, 3044, 1134 (1980); Deskins Commonwealth, 512 S.W.2d 520, 526 (Ky.1974), 419 1122, 806, 822 (1975); Hall Md.App. 590, 596, 425 227, 231 (1981), aff'd, 292 Md. 683, 441 708 (1982); Mealer, N.Y.2d 214, 455 N.Y.S.2d 562, 564, N.E.2d 1080, 1082 Costello, App.Div.2d 244, 247, 476 210, 212 (1984); Hummel 219 Va. 252, 257, 247 S.E.2d 385, (1978), 440 935, 99 1278, 59 492 (1979). Moschiano, 695 236, 243 464 831, 110, 78 111 (1983); Boffa, 89 F.R.D. 523 (Del.1981). Ortiz, 131 Ariz. 195, 202, 639 P.2d 1020, 1028 456 984, 102 2259, 863 (1982).

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