Court Opinion

ID: 9786137
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-30 23:48:25.150121+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:36:42.013973
License: Public Domain

LILE, Judge:
dissents.
T1 In this case, Appellant agreed to undergo a polygraph examination. His lawyer went with him and they consented to examination without the lawyer present. Appellant was advised of his Miranda rights, in his lawyer's presence, and waived his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and his Sixth Amendment right to be represented by his attorney during the examination. The lawyer did not ask to stay and he was not purposefully excluded. At the close of the examination, the examiner asked Appellant if he could explain a deceptive result. Appellant's explanation amounted to a statement against interest. Appellant even wrote the District Attorney a note containing the incriminating statements as the examiner packed up the polygraph equipment. No one even suggests that the incriminating statements herein were coerced in any way or involuntary. The United States Supreme Court said in Wyrick v. Fields, 459 U.S. 42, 47, 108 S.Ct. 394, 896, 74 L.Ed.2d 214, 219: "But it would have been unreasonable for Fields and his attorney's to assume that Fields would not be informed of the polygraph readings and asked to explain any unfavorable result." In this case, the polygraph examiner did not specifically state to Appellant's lawyer that Appellant would be given the opportunity to explain a deceptive result. This Court puts the risk of the omission upon the State. In accordance with the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, I would put that risk upon Appellant. Exelusion of this evidence, under the facts of this case, is not constitutionally required and, further, is not proper or appropriate.