Opinion ID: 2103748
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: March 28, 1991, Statement

Text: The defendant next argues that his statement of March 28, 1991, was not accompanied by a knowing and voluntary waiver of his right to counsel and therefore is inadmissible. On that date, the defendant asked to talk with Sheriff Hudson, who then read to him an advisement of rights form containing the statements I at one time requested a lawyer, but now I wish to WAIVE that RIGHT and I have INITIATED this interview. Record at 3288. The defendant signed this waiver form. He then, for the first time, told the sheriff not only that had he had been at the rest area during the murder, but also that he had been inside the restroom at the time of the murder. The defendant now contends that his Sixth Amendment right to counsel was violated because he already had an attorney, his attorney was not notified, and he was not advised that his attorney would not be present. Although a defendant may waive a previously invoked right to counsel by initiating conversations or discussions with authorities, Weaver v. State (1991), Ind., 583 N.E.2d 136, 140, initiation of dialogue with police does not automatically constitute a waiver of such right. Phillips v. State (1986), Ind., 492 N.E.2d 10, 16. The waiver determination is made by reviewing the totality of circumstances, including the accused's initiation of the dialogue, to determine whether the defendant made a knowing and intelligent relinquishment or abandonment of a known right or privilege. Id. Applying these standards, we find no Sixth Amendment violation. Not only did the defendant initiate the conversation, but he also expressly acknowledged his prior request for counsel and his choice to waive that right. The totality of the circumstances convinces us that the defendant's waiver was a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary relinquishment of his right to counsel.