Opinion ID: 1793858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: admissibility of hittle's statement

Text: Hittle argues that he was surprised at trial by Hansen's testimony that Hittle stated he had avoided similar charges in the past by saying another person was driving and thus should have been given a hearing outside the presence of the jury to determine whether this confession was voluntary and admissible. Pursuant to Neb.Rev.Stat. § 29-115 (Cum.Supp. 1998), a person who is aggrieved by a statement taken from him or her which is claimed to be involuntary may move for suppression of that statement. An objection to such a statement is waived if it is not raised by a motion prior to trial with the exception that a court may entertain such motions to suppress after the commencement of trial when the defendant is surprised by the introduction of such statements by the state. Id. Likewise, we have held that `[t]he defendant may request a hearing on and a determination of voluntariness, but in the absence of such request, defendant cannot complain of the failure of the court to hold such a hearing and make such determination.' State v. Warren, 227 Neb. 160, 162-63, 416 N.W.2d 249, 251 (1987), quoting State v. Oliva, 183 Neb. 620, 163 N.W.2d 112 (1968). The record reflects that Hittle neither objected to the testimony of Hansen regarding his statement nor requested a hearing regarding its admissibility. Instead, he denied that the statement was made. Having unsuccessfully pursued this course of action at trial, he cannot take the position on appeal that he was entitled to a separate hearing on the issue of whether the statement, which he denies making, was voluntary. This assignment of error is without merit.