Opinion ID: 1199633
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Statements to the Police

Text: Stephens argues that his statements to the Wichita detective were rendered involuntary because a search warrant was in force and his personal privacy was violated. He contends that, under the circumstances, he assumed he had to cooperate with the detective and the waiver of his rights was not voluntary. Stephens moved to suppress his statements before trial. His motion was denied. During trial, the State introduced the tape-recorded confession and signed Miranda waiver form. There was no objection from Stephens' counsel. The State also questioned the detective about Stephens' conversation. Again, there was no objection. When a motion to suppress is denied, the moving party must object to the evidence at trial to preserve the issue on appeal. State v. Cellier, 263 Kan. 54, Syl. ¶ 2, 948 P.2d 616 (1997). Here, as in Cellier, trial counsel not only failed to object, but also used the confessional statements in defending the case. Stephens' counsel urged the jury to listen to the tapes and believe that Stephens was not an active participant in the murder of Brown. This issue was not properly preserved for appeal.