Opinion ID: 2061240
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Rights to Silence and Legal Counsel.

Text: Washburne urges his right to remain silent was not honored. Once a suspect has invoked his or her right to remain silent, further questioning cannot occur unless the suspect initiates the contact. State v. Newsom, 414 N.W.2d 354, 357 (Iowa 1987). Mower stopped the July 20 interview when Washburne indicated he did not wish to answer more questions. Questioning that occurred after July 20 was initiated by Washburne. The investigating officers honored Washburne's right to remain silent. Washburne claimed he was not provided legal counsel when it was requested. At the end of the July 20 interview, Washburne asked Mower if Mower thought he needed a lawyer. Mower responded that he could not advise Washburne on that issue. Merely asking whether counsel is needed is not sufficient to invoke the right to counsel and the protections provided by such an invocation. State v. Morgan, 559 N.W.2d 603, 608 (Iowa 1997); State v. Johnson, 318 N.W.2d 417, 430-31 (Iowa 1982). Washburne's constitutional rights to remain silent and to be provided legal counsel were not violated.