Opinion ID: 1658665
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Admission of Statements at Accident Scene

Text: With respect to the admission of Brouillette's statements made to Danburg at the accident scene, Brouillette argues such evidence was obtained in violation of his constitutional rights because he was in custody and was subjected to interrogation without first being advised of his Miranda rights. Among the statements Brouillette made to Danburg was an admission that he had been drinking the night before the accident. The State argues in response that Brouillette was not yet in custody at the time he made the statements. We agree with the State. It is well settled that Miranda warnings are required only where there has been such a restriction on one's freedom as to render one in custody. One is in custody for Miranda purposes when there is a formal arrest or a restraint on one's freedom of movement of the degree associated with such an arrest. State v. Burdette, 259 Neb. 679, 611 N.W.2d 615 (2000). Brouillette was not in custody when Danburg questioned him at the accident scene. See State v. Melton, 239 Neb. 506, 476 N.W.2d 842 (1991) (defendant was not in custody when he was not under formal arrest and was questioned by officers during routine course of accident investigation). Brouillette's second and third assignments of error are without merit.