Document: 332 U.S. 708 68 S.Ct. 316 92 L.Ed. 309 VON MOLTKEv.GILLIES. No. 73. Argued Nov. 20, 1947. Decided Jan. 19, 1948. Mr. G. Leslie Field, of Detroit, Mich., for petitioner. Frederick Bernays Wiener, Providence, R.I., respondent. Justice BLACK announced the judgment Court and an opinion in which DOUGLAS, MURPHY, RUTLEDGE concurred. 1 The petitioner was indicted conspiracy to violate Espionage Act 1917.1 specific charge that, order injure United States aid German Reich, she twenty-three others had conspired during second World War collect deliver vital military information agents. 2 With no money hire a lawyer without benefit counsel appeared before federal district judge, told him that indictment been explained her, signed paper stating waived 'right be represented by at trial this cause,' then pleaded guilty. Under her plea could have sentenced death or imprisonment not more than thirty years. After thirteen months jail following plea, court four years prison. 3 In habeas corpus proceeding charged sentence, resting as it did solely on guilty, invalid two reasons: First, alleged entered reason coercion, intimidation, deception officers violation due process clause Fifth Amendment. Second,s he neither understandingly advice nor provided with assistance required Sixth As Government concedes, these charges entitle issues heard determined proceeding, and, if true, invalidate sentence.2 District evidence offered both Government, found failed prove either contention. 72 F.Supp. 994. Circuit Appeals affirmed one judge dissenting. 161 F.2d 113. 4 On basis what designated 'the undisputed evidence,' dissenting concluded guilty because reliance upon legal Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) lawyer-agent, 'was though honestly given, false.' Neither majority controverted conclusion judge. A challenge made indigent defendant, whom has provided, ground given government raises serious constitutional questions. circumstances we granted certiorari case. 331 800, 67 1517. 5 It thus becomes apparent determination questions presented depends showed. There conflicting testimony many points We do attempt resolve conflicts. Our is reached from facts shown agents 6 born Germany. country bore title countess. She husband came December, 1926. Since 1930 they lived Detroit where housewife instructor Wayne University. Her naturalized citizen States; own naturalization papers pending some time. They children, three were American citizens. 7 August 24, 1943, between a.m., six FBI their home. bed. informed must get up go them. home searched husband's permission. taken local office FBI, fingerprinted, photographed, examined physician. From there Immigration Detention Home, placed solitary confinement, exception noted below, permitted see communicate anyone outside next days. Two persistently but courteously every day about 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. knew nothing arrest detention except being held indefinitely presidential warrant 'as dangerous enemy alien.' 'that investigating agency, prosecuting, alien I (she) allowed attorney.' During first period questioning, only relaxation petitioner's incommunicado status single permission relay instructions through agent who how look after nine-year-old disbetic child. child, mother specially cared since his infancy, strict diet injections twice daily. 8 September 1, eight days early morning arrest, Enemy Alien Hearing Board. any against 'represented attorney' hearing. results hearing make known her. At its returned 18 handed our printed record document covers little fourteen pages. generally, language statute, twenty-four defendants statute. also enumerates forty-seven overt acts performed pursuance objects conspiracy, five specifically refer Four out merely allege 'met conferred with' other defendants; fifth alleges 'introduced' someone defendants. 21, almost month co-defendant, Mrs. Leonhardt, courthouse arraignment. Upon attorney means obtain one, said would appoint right away arraign them seen attorney. led 'to bull pen wait Before arrived back into courtroom. session. corroborated others, 'Judge Moinet bench, seemed going Judge appointed He 'Come here, 'so so,' help women out,' young objected that; sad didn't want anything that. But consented just arraignment, out, over us—we sitting side asked me, 'How you plead?' said, 'Not guilty.' And Leonhardt same thing. So us whispered us, fact, went it, advisable, know even now why, suggested proper stand mute.' minute conversation (the 'a couple minutes') 'understood all about.' indicated did. indictment, inform nature possible defenses, inquire punishment imposed offense. case interrupted, defendants, stood mute, entered. reference future representation attorney, uncontradicted 'said away, understood gentleman expected come away.' 11 women, unable bond, immediately County jail. matron orders hold 'incommunicado.' Notwithstanding order, however, continued visit talk third Behrens, Sunday. read discuss among themselves unfavorable newspaper reports occasioned. talked adverse publicity should plead charges. 12 25, von Moltke's lawyers sent husband. One appears course These lawyers' message communication receive removal county so well shut off world thog ht confined. although request, represent counsel. Fourthermore, warned confidence, feel free disclose Government. Only trial. testified concerned children husband, university removed $4,000 position arrest. particularly inquired whether received subject way another. emphasized number times advise do. Although gave form cross-examination regarding explain implications charges, defenses them, permissible punishments under indictment. 13 28, visit, marshal's assistant enter. later entered, opportunity discussing matter office, wife 'bull pen,' advised saw lawyer. declined 14 October 7, nine later, having meantime agent-attorneys, several times. few 7th, Behrens rumors named interval 28th 7th October, men law co-defendants agent's reply, remembered question attorney's office.' repeatedly plied enter reduce much injurious affair, least harmful recover old position. vitally interested deported, whether, sentence served close family. All subjects daily conversations to, did, behalf. Following discussion, brought word control deportation, publicity, place imprisonment, write letter controlling authorities recommend imprisoned 15 About time lawyer-agents discussed problems great length. According best agent-attorney statement while unless involved, true. replied answer question. mere association peope crime—such acts—was sufficient itself bring conviction This agent, according petitioner, use 'Rum Runners' plot example. said: 'That group people 'Rum' plan law, another person doesn't are planning on, still carried man present * nevertheless *.' deny rum runner illustration. quite occurred.3 16 ten prior resolving doubts rely lawyer-agents, afford lawyer, promised never appeared. chief concern trying decide imprisonment; agents, 'She job,' 'she hoping whatever child.' That troubled state mind recognized prosecuting leading cross-examination: 17 'Q. Now, isn't true (sic) not? Isn't true? A. nobody else ask. Well, say yes no. Yes.' 19 temporary decision, wanted available, unfamiliar accept previously response judge's questions, voluntarily entering sign written waiver whole disposed routine questioning within minutes interlude If explanation consequences mentioned presence, does show it. Nor indicate able why connection plea. Apparently 20 Petitioner thereafter worry acted wisely changing learning January, 1944, request withdraw messages seeking such Some purpose filing motion lev e Counsel file motion, dismissal tardy4 Criminal Rules, when learned rights. Had tardy, consider light declared Kercheval v. States, 274 220, 223, 47 582, 583, 71 1009: 'A differs effect admission extrajudicial confession; conviction. Out consideration persons accused crime, courts careful shall accepted full understanding consequences.'5 21 inference drawn try appeal denial motion. view counsel's appointment moving plea' questionable authority prosecute sentence. take had. Furthermore, futility based court's refusal permit withdrawal obvious, failure meet requirements Rule II (4). seems pretty plain raise here way—by proceedings. 22 government's contention intelligent, mentally acute woman. necessary determine argues, might reasonably rejected testimony. need pass supported finding lawyer-agent actually give erroneous criminal conspirators conspiracy. For, assuming correctness latter contentions, summarized shows comprehension rights indispensable valid 23 First. Amendment guarantees accused, defense prosecutions courts. Walker Johnston, 312 275, 286, 61 574, 579, 85 830; Foster People State Illinois, 134, 136, 137, 1716, 1717, 1718. solicitous carefully preserved ignorant uneducated, kept surveillance, object widespread public hostility. Powell Alabama, 287 45, 53 55, 77 158, 84 A.L.R. 527. bristled factors essential accepting counsel, satisfied fully comprehended perilous waging total war name. German. atmosphere saturated suspicion fear Germans. Germany Japan betray secrets confinement Many co-conspirators already been, think legally put Act. executed, shorter discretion fix. Even impose rendered invaluable calling attention mitigating inclined fix lighter penalty Anyone espionage wartime statute sorely needed lawyer; Moltke particular, desperately get. 24 Second. less moment stands See Williams Kaiser, 323 471, 475, 65 363, 366, 89 398. Prior entitled independent examination facts, circumstances, pleadings laws involved offer Determining innocent complex seldom simple easy task layman, acutely intelligent. Conspiracy frequently broad confusing scope, conspiracies e.g., Gorin 429, 488; Heine, Cir., 151 813. especially misla ding layman act allegations Such often, statements past associations conferences persons, activities apparently entirely harmless standing alone. reading convicted simply had, perfect innocence, associated alleged. quesitions—such significance possibilities emphasizes stage. 25 Third. solemn duty defendant thorough inquiry steps insure fullest protection stage Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 463, 58 1019, 1022, 82 1461, 146 357; Hawk Olson, 326 271, 278, 66 116, 120, 90 61. cannot discharged procedural formality. 527, court, instead appointing representing entire bar. treated cavalier designation gesture, recognize compliance mandate relied arraigned. reluctant all, agreed perform duty. longer. assume very token obedience Arraignment too important step wholly inadequate crime. hollow Constitution arraignment enough convince like set foot courtroom, loss—just legalistic agree argument momentary purposes supports intelligently episode direction, away' her—which long late good. 26 Fourth. 'The invokes, itself, accused—whose life liberty stake—is protecting imposes weighty responsibility determining intelligent competent accused.'6 To discharge properly strong presumption counsel,7 investigate thoroughly demand. fact may tell desires waive automatically end responsibility. apprehensio statutory offenses included range allowable thereunder, mitigation thereof, matter. can certain accused's professed penetrating comprehensive tendered. 27 graphically illustrates asking standard followed signing counsel—may leave unaware decision executed inquiries 'does require forced defendant.' Carter 329 173, 174, 175, 216, 218. For demonstrates welcomed sources; necessity forcing 28 Twice designate occasion willingly cooperated called act. sole unfortunate encounter court-appointed despite obviously submit rules, complaint cooperate him. filled witnesses sought limited incarceration slightest deviation procedure revealed perplexity doubt. unerringly existence uncertainty below surface 29 Fifth. guaranteed contemplates services devoted interests client. Glasser 315 60, 70, 62 457, 465, 86 680. pleading undoubtedly matters concerning representatives, lawyers. representatives uniformly courteous indication ever deviated dictated loyalty developed confidence indicates her.8 30 contemplate prisoners dependent aid, however conscientious those be. Undivided allegiance faithful, devt ed service client prized traditions lawyer.9 kind makes provision. nowhere deemed honorable poor member unpopular hated group, offense peculiarly abhorrent. 31 admitted support holding 32 What represents views BLACK, RUTLEDGE. therefore reverse Appeals, aside direct grant prayer release further FRANKFURTER JACKSON, reasons stated separate opinion, reversed, Court's aside, setting judgment, explicit findings opinion. 33 reversed aside. cause remanded hearings finds competently, intelligently, implications, directing released custody ordered. 34 Reversed remanded. 35 Separate FRANKFURTER, JACKSON joins. 36 appropriate disposition turns me truth allegation F.B.I. active case, associated, innocently, parties equally 37 dealing, doubt intellectual acuteness. rare, indeed, extremely inintelligent calculated serve participation abuses occasioned animadversion Conference Senior Judges. Report Attorney General, 1925, pp. 5, 6; observations Leare d Hand Falcone, 109 581, 311 205, 204, 128. subtleties refined distinctions rise reflected decisions. See, Kotteakos 328 750, 1239, 1557. Because complexity, unfolded, difficult laity defines types crimes. Thus, net relation appreciated, result application criteria delicate guilt usual substantial offenses. Accordingly, acting prosecution, honestly, clearly advice1 induced believe expounded situation thought futile mercy hope. conclusion, herself regard exclusively searching lay behind informed, self-determined choice. 38 Of 'in exercise choice, considered approval competently waive' Adams ex rel. McCann, 317 269, 63 236, 240, 87 268, 143 435; Patton 281 276, 50 253, 74 854, 70 263, 357. capacity choice absence subverting responsible. beclouded, duress misleading advice, discloses hardly inner feeling innocence fair test awareness consequences. Therefore, accurately conflict memory escape measure safeguards heretofore enunciated hazard. 39 which, colored given. unrevealing words cold spoke clarity convey my brethren, discharged. Conversely, conveyd radiates conclude affirmed. 40 Unfortunately, firm crucial issue disputed denied discussions escape, correct been. suggest remember, confident attributed contrary, added 'it better mine.'2 dead page, rest testimony, suggests scrupulous witness. recreate tone voice gloss personality puts speech. Therefore am palpably who, symbol owed accurate guidance, any. 41 Judge's difficulties me. wrote most tenuous guessing account counseling attach deem controlling.3 affords circumstance importance, send proceedings recreation incident possible. 42 BURTON, THE CHIEF JUSTICE REED concur, 43 factual deal largely credibility witnesses, binding force precedent narrow. However, guard undue extension influence, recorded dissent justified. 44 contest pei tioner establishes, unequivocal original otherwise freely, knowingly made. vigorously contends establish facts. failed, release. reversal judgment. uniform judges separately amply sustainable. 45 filed open Arthur F. Lederle 1943. November, Edward J. Moinet. attack considering exceptional burden proof bear making collateral year examine 46 Moinet, assigned assist mute. so. conduct prejudiced left change done done. aware assign referred addition contact attitude himself education. friends friends, professionally. likewise occasions occasionally Attorney. urged consulted decided follows 28: 48 lawyer? Yes; (plead guilty) attorney; thing: 49 'A. My comes out. that? yes.' 51 Several finally expressly writing. stand: So, week disregard your you? Yes, sir. 52 You decision; no? words, satisfaction point wish provision thrust wishes. di anyone. benefited 'intelligent, woman' own, wished knowingly, action final, regular rules entry imposed. Rules II(4), 292 662. Lederle, misunderstanding, desired answered negative. was. addition, submitted deferred Probation Officer investigation report. Ample this. 54 June, originally ought preference appoint. abeyance tried select July 3, advising soon criticized. secured ruling untimeliness bearing merits. him, significant Court. His follows: 55 'This Grafin Marianna Not Guilty herein, hearing, submitted, Court, arguments behalf respective hereto, finds: 56 '1. indictment; 57 '2. Guilty, weeks thereon, deliberation; '3. contained cause; 59 '4. promises inducements threats obtaining misrepresentations; 60 '5. praying fixed II(4) adopted Supreme America; 'Wherefore, Ordered Graffin (Grafin) above cause, hereby denied.' 1944. pronounced contrary appearing sentencd began serving 1945, looking toward repatriation Germany, she, 1946, petition We, therefore, review April, Ernest O'Brien attack, While corpus, grounds, preservation individual rights, judicial making, way, unjustified attacks whole. Each attempted calls weighing claims made, sustain each claim. attacking collaterally unappealed deliberate heavy rests invalidity waiver. regularity attaches lightly rebutted. 468, 469, 1024, 1025, 279, strength borne extended witnesses. showing satisfying himself, knowledge right.1 overwhelming weight 64 impressive (72 994, 995): 'In directly implication mislead (misled) (in) degree, influenced charge. abandoned absolutely sustaining implications. officials Attorney's meticulous safeguarding utterly bare contentions. woman good education average intelligence. English fluent ample. various conference wherein endeavored secure leniency convenience inducement advancements were, o course, repudiated jurisdiction advent event) District. showed affirmative. desire obligation preponderance evidence. this, conclude, merit dismissed together writ.' 69 dismissing writ corpus. conclusions Due equal nearest approximation truth. Necessarily here. hand, faced issues, spoken read. instruments reproduced. observed expressions whereas conjecture expressions. living overwhelmingly conclusion. Much convinces justified reversing us. nearly approximated justice surely attempting interpret giving large inferences ascertainment derived impartial observation dissipated review. appraisal proportionately more, rather less, reviewing scene Columbia Pace, 320 698, 701, 406, 408, 88 408; Johnson, 319 503, 518, 1233, 1240, 1546; Mfg. Co. Shoe Machinery Corp., 364, 367, 1179, 1181, 1537; Delaney 263 586, 589, 590, 206, 207, 462. not, affect character technical possibility roduce practical actual danger suffering capital punishment. forecast general primarily near An recommending 73 exceptionally define complexities, prevents choosing alternative right. Having positively Constitution, Bill Rights fundamental principles call sympathetic observance including aliens justice, domestic tranquility, promote welfare blessings end, constitutionally administered ready affirm stands, remand mean established salutary presumptions favor validity relaxed. Section substantive crime espionage. declares § unlawful. Stat. 217, U.S.C. §§ 32, 34, U.S.C.A. 34. Waley 101, 964, 1302; 467, cf. Sunal Large, 177, 1588, 1590. discussion illustration runner? recall, remember see. mine, used illustration.' (4) effective 1934, motions imposition Swift 79 U.S.App.D.C. 387, 148 361; Hood 152 431, Achtner, 144 49, 52. liberalized 32(d) Procedure, section 687, March 1946. Petitioner's brief states 'without taking permitting challenged statement. testify Nevertheless 'after presented,' purported deliberation' 'thoroughly indictment.' minority so-called 'findings' 'far late.' (161 113, 116) Orfield, Procedure Arrest Appeal (1947) 300: 'Since confession trial, always caution. understands receiving it.' Blackstone, Commentaries *329: 'Upon confession, hath award judgment; usually backward recording tenderness subject; will generally prisoner retract indictment,' Bowyer, Constitutional Law England (1846) 355: civil allow guilt, induce accuse himself.' 1023, 270, 237, 435. 464, note supra. Bar Association, Canons Professional Judicial Ethics, Canon 15: owes 'entire devotion interest client, warm zeal maintenance exertion utmost ability,' withheld save applied. No disfavor unpopularity restrain forum remedy authorized land, expect assert defense.' 4: ask excused trivial reason, exert efforts behalf.' precise testimony: conspiracy.' precisely contrary. 210, agent) abandonment 'agents charge,' 'for record' 'most implications.' appear, record, bttress suggestion misled referring intimation tendered, exposition asserted Nowhere prepared interview false incorrect, account. 277, 241,

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