Court Opinion

ID: 7596214
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-29 06:53:20.952307+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:24:44.114139
License: Public Domain

ANSTEAD, Judge,
dissenting in part.
I agree with the majority on all of the issues raised except that I would find reversible error in an improper comment at trial on the appellant’s right to remain silent. Contrary to the state’s agreement and the trial court’s instruction, a police officer testified that he recorded appellant’s statement to a codefendant that he, appellant, would invoke his right to remain silent and not talk to the police without first consulting a lawyer. The recording was made while the two were in police *448custody. There was a proper objection and motion for mistrial which were both denied. In my view, the episode constitutes reversible error under our decisions and those of the Supreme Court. State v. Kinchen, 490 So.2d 21 (Fla.1985); Bernier v. State, 547 So.2d 306 (Fla. 4th DCA 1989). Further, under the circumstances of this case I do not believe we can find the error harmless. State v. DiGuilio, 491 So.2d 1129 (Fla.1986).