Opinion ID: 2764248
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Prior-to-Trial Tachibana Advisory

Text: At the commencement of Monteil’s bench trial,2 the judge conducted the following colloquy to inform Monteil of his right to testify and the right not to testify: THE COURT: All right. Mr. Monteil, let me inform you: You have the right to remain silent and the right against 1 HRS § 712-1200(1) states, A person commits the offense of prostitution if the person: (a) Engages in, or agrees or offers to engage in, sexual conduct with another person for a fee; or (b) Pays, agrees to pay, or offers to pay a fee to another to engage in sexual conduct. 2 The Honorable Joseph P. Florendo, Jr. presided. 2 FOR PUBLICATION IN WEST’S HAWAIʻI REPORTS AND PACIFIC REPORTER self-incrimination. No one can force you to testify in this matter. Do you understand? MR. MONTEIL: Yes, your Honor. THE COURT: You don’t have to present any evidence whatsoever. It’s up to the State to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt. Do you understand? MR. MONTEIL: Yes, sir. THE COURT: Do you understand that if you wish to testify, the Court will allow you to do so; and if you do wish to testify, your testimony will be taken under oath and subject to penalties of perjury, the prosecutor can crossexamine you, and the Court can consider your testimony in deciding if you are guilty or not guilty? MR. MONTEIL: Yes, your Honor. THE COURT: You can wait until after the State has completed its evidence in order to decide if you wish to testify, and you can talk to your attorney before you decide. All right? MR. MONTEIL: Yes, your Honor. THE COURT: All right. Call your first witness. Notably, the court did not inform Monteil that if he did not testify, his silence could not be used against him in deciding the case.