Document: 463 U.S. 1121 103 S.Ct. 3517 77 L.Ed.2d 1275 CALIFORNIA, Petitioner,v.Jerry Lain BEHELER. No. 82-1666. July 6, 1983. PER CURIAM. 1 The question presented in this petition for certiorari is whether Miranda warnings are required if the suspect not placed under arrest, voluntarily comes to police station, and allowed leave unhindered by after a brief interview. Because has already been settled clearly past decisions of Court, we reverse decision California Court Appeal holding that these circumstances. 2 * respondent, Jerry Beheler, several acquaintances, attempted steal quantity hashish from Peggy Dean, who was selling drug parking lot liquor store. Dean killed Beheler's companion step-brother, Danny Wilbanks, when she refused relinquish her hashish. Shortly thereafter, Beheler called police, arrived almost immediately. See Resp. Pet. Cert., at 3. He told Wilbanks had victim, other companions hidden gun Behelers' backyard. gave consent search yard found. Later evening, agreed accompany station house, although specifically he arrest. 3 At talk about murder, did advise rights provided him v. Arizona, 384 436, 86 1602, 16 694 (1966). interview lasted less than 30 minutes. After being his statement would be evaluated district attorney, permitted return home. Five days later, arrested connection with murder. fully advised rights, waived those second, taped confession during which admitted earlier given voluntarily. trial court found it necessary prior first interview, statements both interviews were into evidence. 4 reversed conviction aiding abetting first-degree constituted custodial interrogation, activated need warnings. focused on fact took place before house identified as case because discussed murder earlier, designed produce incriminating responses. Although indicia arrest present, balancing factors led conclude State "has met its burden establishing [Beheler] custody" App. 36.1 II 5 We held "[b]y mean questioning initiated law enforcement officers person taken custody or otherwise deprived freedom action any significant way." U.S., 444, S.Ct., 1612 (footnote omitted). It beyond doubt neither nor significantly action. Indeed, restricted way whatsoever. 6 In Oregon Mathiason, 429 492, 97 711, 50 714 (1977), involved factual context remarkably similar present case, "in within meaning Miranda. contact come patrol office. There, conducted an informing Mathiason they suspected committing burglary, truthfulness made attorney judge. officer also falsely informed fingerprints scene crime. then participation burglary. confession, but released pending attorney's bring formal charges. 7 summarily reversing Supreme purposes receiving protection, stated, "Such noncustodial situation converted one applies simply reviewing concludes that, even absence restraint movement, 'coercive environment.' " 495, 714. give only "where there such restrict person's render 'in custody.' Ibid. Our relied very practical recognition "[a]ny crime will have coercive aspects it, virtue part system may ultimately cause charged crime." Ibid.2 8 below believed incorrectly could distinguished questioned until some 25 interviewed shortly committed, drinking day, emotionally distraught. 24-25. addition, observed great deal more information their parolee knew "it incumbent upon cooperate police." Id., 25. Finally, noted our preclude consideration "totality circumstances" determining custody." 9 circumstances each must certainly influence determination ultimate inquiry "formal movement" degree associated supra, primarily spoken earlier. But explicitly recognized "simply takes whom suspect." That irrelevant, see n. 2, especially himself communication police. Moreover, length time elapsed between commission no relevance inquiry.3 III 10 Accordingly, motion respondent proceed forma pauperis writ granted, alifornia reversed, remanded further proceedings inconsistent opinion. 11 so ordered. 12 Justice STEVENS, BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 13 This us intermediate appellate California. deemed unworthy review. Appellate wrote 38-page opinion, most devoted analysis whether, all relevant facts, test set forth People Blouin, 80 Cal.App.3d 269, 283, 145 Cal.Rptr. 701 (1978). 14 question, analyzed facts light Herdan, 42 300, 116 641 (1974); Hill, 70 Cal.2d 678, 76 225, 452 P.2d 329 (1969); Arnold, 66 438, 58 115, 426 515 (1967); White, 69 751, 72 873, 446 993 (1968); Sam, 71 194, 804, 454 700 re James M., 133, 139 902 (1977); McClary, 20 Cal.3d 218, 142 163, 571 620 Randall, 948, 83 658, 464 114 (1970); Howard (July 16, 1982), Crim. 5181. considered opinions Rhode Island Innis, 291, 100 1682, 64 297 (1980), (1977). summarized following manner: "As previously prosecution 15 [sic ] voluntariness defendant's reasonable doubt. (People Jimenez, 21 595 [147 172], 580 672.) instant appears conflicting testimony issue. Where uncontradicted, independently determine properly admitted. Murtishaw, 29 733, 753 [175 738], 631 446.) "We appellant February Furthermore, should suppressed court. On record us, essentially confessed felony interrogation. A defined 'amounting declaration intentional criminal act.' 230 [142 163], 511 (1977).) improper introduction reversible error per se. 958 [83 658], (1970).)" Cert. 36-37. 17 Today, without briefs arguments merits, reverses doing notes "the custody' movement "of arrest." Ante, 1125. I believe courts far better equipped make kind study precede determination. too busy review every claim prosecutor unsuccessful presenting state assess practices highly particular circumst nces amount therefore respectfully dissent Court's summary merits case. suggests rested adequate independent grounds applied standards. 9, 5. clear face however, opinion exclusively court's "decision issue." 37. (1974), reflected Beckwith United States, 425 341, 96 1612, 48 (1976), rejected notion requirement satisfied merely "focus" investigation. "Miranda implicitly 'focus' . 'questioning way.' 347, 1616 (quoting Miranda, 1612). offers number opposition State's certiorari. thrust though engaged "coerced" unaware consequences participation. cites authority support contention lack awareness transformed one. argues unjust uphold triggerman convicted voluntary manslaughter. do find argument persuasive. Standefer 447 10, 1999, 689 (1980).

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