Opinion ID: 710698
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Oral Representations

Text: 24 Stirn presented two forms of evidence to justify a Franks hearing: an affidavit by Stiley with an accompanying memorandum of points and authorities; and Stiley's oral representations. We first consider whether the oral representations, buttressing the general allegations made in the affidavit, can be considered by the court as substantive evidence that Stirn was entitled to a Franks hearing. 25 The Supreme Court has stated that allegations of deliberate or reckless disregard for the truth must be accompanied by an offer of proof. Franks, 438 U.S. at 171. Affidavits or sworn or otherwise reliable statements of witnesses should be furnished or their absence satisfactorily explained. Id. Stiley did not provide affidavits from witnesses or otherwise reliable statements from them: he simply presented his own affidavit and made unsubstantiated oral representations as to what various witnesses would testify to during a Franks hearing. 26 As Stiley did not provide any statements from witnesses, the inquiry becomes whether the absence of reliable statements was satisfactorily explained. Stiley indicated that his offer of proof was not more formal because he simply lacked the time to put together the necessary documentation. 4 27 Attorney backlog and confusion of hearing schedules does not ordinarily satisfactorily explain the lack of formal documentation. Excusable neglect is not meant to cover the usual excuse that the lawyer is too busy, which can be used, perhaps truthfully, in almost every case. Selph v. Council of the City of Los Angeles, 593 F.2d 881, 884 (9th Cir.1979) (citation omitted). 28 Because the oral representations were not independently reliable and there was not a satisfactory explanation for the absence of reliable documentation, Stiley's statements fell short of the offer of proof requirement of Franks. Therefore, Stiley's oral representations must be disregarded in determining whether a Franks hearing was required.