Opinion ID: 1670476
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: attention to tyler's physical stature

Text: [19,20] In his next assignment of error, Tyler contends that the trial court erred when it became a witness in the case for the prosecution during the suppression hearing by taking note of the fact that Tyler is a large-framed young man. The parties dispute whether that fact is relevant to whether Tyler was in custody or voluntarily confessed to authorities. We find it unnecessary to choose sides in this debate. As our de novo review of both the custody and voluntariness issues shows, it is possible to conclude that Tyler was not in custody and voluntarily confessed without taking his physical stature into consideration. Hence, even if the trial court acted improperly when it took note of Tyler's size, Tyler suffered no prejudice as a result. We have held on countless occasions that error without prejudice provides no ground for relief on appeal. [74] This assignment is without merit.