Opinion ID: 2040463
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: issues

Text: Prior to the start of the trial, the defendant filed a motion to suppress the taped statement, which he had made to the police, upon the grounds that it was not knowingly, voluntarily and freely given. His allegations were based in part upon the fact that there was a detention of approximately seventy-two hours between the time of his arrest and his arraignment, during which time his statement was made. In addition he contends that he was not informed of the charges then pending against him and that he was coerced into giving the statement by police threats and promises. Ind. Code § 35-5-5-2 (Burns 1975) sets out the factors to be considered by a trial judge in determining the voluntariness of a confession. It provides that he take into consideration all of the circumstances involved, including, but not limited to: (1) the time elapsing between the arrest and arraignment of the defendant making the confession, if it was made after arrest and before arraignment, (2) whether such defendant knew the nature of the offense with which he was charged or of which he was suspected at the time of making the confession, (3) whether or not such defendant was advised or knew that he was not required to make any statement and that any such statement could be used against him, (4) whether or not such defendant had been advised prior to questioning of his right to the assistance of counsel, and (5) whether or not such defendant was without the assistance of counsel when questioned and when giving such confession. This section further provides that none of the above factors are conclusive upon the issue. At the hearing on the motion to suppress, the defendant testified that, although he refused to sign a written waiver form, he was orally advised of his rights. He stated that not only was he aware that he had the right to talk to an attorney, but also, that if he could not afford one, one would be appointed for him prior to any questioning. He also stated that he had a general understanding of his rights, since they were not only read to him but were also explained to him in simpler words, as was the fact that he was waiving them. The taped statement was played before the court and disclosed that the defendant had been fully advised of his rights. The tape also revealed that the defendant had been informed sometime during the time he was giving the statement, that there was a preliminary charge of assault and battery with intent to kill filed against him and that there was a strong possibility that he would also be charged with kidnapping and rape. Several police officers who had been involved in the investigation also testified that they were not aware of any threats or promises made to coerce the defendant into giving his statement. The last factor left to be considered in determining the admissibility of the defendant's confession is the delay involved between his arrest and arraignment. The delay apparently occurred because it was a weekend and the regular judge could not be reached by the prosecutor, who did not want to take the defendant before the judge pro tempore. Such a delay does not make a confession inadmissible as a matter of law, but, rather, is one of many factors to be considered in determining its admissibility. Ind. Code § 35-5-5-3 (Burns 1975); Murphy v. State, (1977) Ind., 369 N.E.2d 411. Thus, although the seventy-two hour period is a negative factor to be considered in this case, it must be balanced with all of the other circumstances involved. Such circumstances include the defendant's admission that he had been fully informed of his rights which he understood at the time, that he had talked to both his father and brother on Saturday and his general willingness to talk to the interrogating officer. When reviewing a sufficiency issue, we will consider only that evidence which supports the trial court's determination where the evidence is in conflict, along with any uncontested evidence presented by the defendant. We will not disturb the trial court's ruling on the issue of voluntariness, if, from that standpoint, there is sufficient evidence to support it beyond a reasonable doubt. Magley v. State, (1975) 263 Ind. 618, 335 N.E.2d 811. All factors taken together indicate that the confession was voluntarily made.