Opinion ID: 1742111
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: assignments of error number one, nineteen, twenty, and twenty-one

Text: Defendant contends that the trial court should have suppressed his confession. Vernon argues that he gave written statements because he was assured that the most serious offense for which he could be tried was aggravated battery. At trial, Vernon testified that, if he had known he would be charged with murder, he would have requested that a lawyer be present to advise him. (Tr., Vol. VII, p. 848). This contention is without merit. Vernon was approached by the police for questioning in connection with the Melcher murder as he sat eating in a cafe in Leesville. He was taken into custody for carrying a concealed weapon and was advised of his rights. At the Vernon Parish Sheriff's office, he signed a pre-printed rights form as well as a consent to questioning form, indicating that he fully understood his rights, that he was willing to answer questions, and that no threats or promises were made. A verbal interview was conducted, and Vernon then gave a five page written statement typed by a police officer containing full Miranda warnings and Vernon's signature on each page. He was placed under arrest for murder after giving the written statement. After the arrest, he gave a tape recorded statement which was substantially the same as his earlier written statement. The police officers present at the time the written statement was given testified that Vernon at no time indicated that he was tired or sleepy or that he wished to discontinue the interview. He was given food, drink and cigarettes and allowed to go to the restroom as he desired. They testified that no promises had been made to induce him to talk but one officer admitted telling Vernon that, if he cooperated, it would be brought to the attention of the district attorney's office. That same officer stated that the subject of aggravated battery came up when Vernon, prior to giving the written statement, asked a police detective if he might be charged with an offense less serious than first degree murder. The detective advised Vernon that the police would charge him with first degree murder although the grand jury could indict him for a lesser offense. High standards of proof for waiver of constitutional rights apply to in-custody interrogation. Miranda v. State of Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). When a statement is taken without the presence of an attorney, there is a heavy burden on the State to demonstrate that the accused knowingly and intelligently waived his privilege against self-incrimination and his right to retained or appointed counsel. State in the Interest of Dino, 359 So.2d 586 (La.1978). Moreover, before a confession or inculpatory statement may be introduced into evidence, the State must prove affirmatively and beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement was free and voluntary and not made under the influence of fear, duress, menaces, threats, inducements, or promises. LSA-Const. 1974, Art. I, § 13; LSA-R.S. 15:451; LSA-C.Cr.P. art. 703(C); State v. LeJeune, 352 So.2d 619 (La., 1977); State v. McGraw, 366 So.2d 1278 (La.1978). The State has met its burden. Defendant was adequately advised of his rights and consented to questioning. He acknowledged that he had not been promised anything in return for a statement. The testimony of the police officers specifically rebutted defendant's allegation that he had been promised a charge of aggravated battery. The mere fact that one officer told Vernon that the district attorney would be advised of any cooperation cannot be considered sufficient inducement to vitiate the free and voluntary nature of the confession. Vernon's claim is further eroded by his admission that he made a tape recorded statement after being charged with first degree murder. These assignments lack merit.