Opinion ID: 1133683
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Whether the evidence concerning Rubenstein's pre-arrest actions was admissible.

Text: ś 126. On appeal, Rubenstein argues his constitutional right to counsel and right to remain silent were violated. Rubenstein says Officer Applewhite provided testimony about a meeting they had on January 14, 1994, in which the officer asked Rubenstein his whereabouts on November 16 through November 18 or 19, and Rubenstein replied that he needed an attorney. Officer Applewhite testified that, after Rubenstein asked for an attorney, the questioning was stopped. ś 127. In Riddley v. State, 777 So.2d 31, 34 (Miss.2000), the defendant argued the prosecution's comments on his right to counsel were constitutionally improper. This Court stated it was problematic to accept the proposition that a criminal defendant has a constitutionally protected right to counsel before any criminal proceedings against him have begun. Id. We held, [w]hile Riddley's actions in contacting and counseling with an attorney were probably wise, they were not constitutionally protected at the time. Id. Riddley specifically addressed whether the prosecutor's questions on cross-examination reflected negatively on the defendant's right to counsel. This is not the case at hand. Here, the State did not comment on Rubenstein's decision to seek an attorney, and there was no negative connotation attached by the prosecutor. The State's questioning focused solely on the murder investigation by Office Applewhite. The record also reflects that Rubenstein did not object to this testimony, but even if he had, this assignment of error is meritless. ś 128. Rubenstein further contends any testimony concerning his invocation of his right to seek legal assistance should have been barred by Rule 403, even if not prohibited by the Fifth or Sixth Amendments as discussed. The State counters that it invited no testimony concerning Rubenstein's use of counsel or his right to remain silent. The questions were designed solely to elicit a chronological version of the investigation, not the fact that he requested an attorney during the State's investigation. On appeal, the State stresses that Rubenstein discovered the bodies, and he was related to the victims. Therefore, he was a key source of information in the investigation. The State also notes that Rubenstein fails to demonstrate that any alleged prejudice from this evidence substantially outweighs its probative value. Foster v. State, 508 So.2d 1111, 1117 (Miss.1987). For the reasons stated, this assignment of error is without merit.