Opinion ID: 2041012
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Confession Induced By Promises

Text: Appellant argues that his confession was not voluntarily made but was induced by a police officer's promise to obtain mental health assistance for him. Smith was advised of his rights and signed a waiver prior to being interrogated by Officer Terry Hall. Prior to giving the statement, appellant told Hall that he was giving the statement because he realized that he needed help. Hall told appellant that he would be glad to recommend that whatever else the Judge decided that he would get some mental help. To determine the voluntariness of a confession, this Court reviews all the circumstances surrounding the giving of the confession to determine whether it was induced by violence, threats, promises, or other improper influences which would overcome the free will of the accused. Ortiz v. State (1976), 265 Ind. 549, 356 N.E.2d 1188. An officer's statement to the accused during interrogation that he will get mental health assistance for the accused does not constitute a promise of immunity or mitigation of punishment as proscribed by Ashby v. State (1976), 265 Ind. 316, 354 N.E.2d 192. Fennell v. State (1986), Ind., 492 N.E.2d 297; Basham v. State (1981), Ind., 422 N.E.2d 1206. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. GIVAN, C.J., and DeBRULER, PIVARNIK and DICKSON, JJ., concur.