State v. Peterson
267 P.3d 1197
Ariz. Ct. App.2011Background
- Peterson was convicted by jury of theft of means of transportation and sentenced to probation for two years with restitution of $1,392.
- On appeal she challenges the denial of a suppression hearing, and the admissibility of certain trial evidence over hearsay/confrontation objections, plus the restitution calculation.
- Linda V. was delivering newspapers when her truck was attemptedly stolen; she testified Peterson did not steal the truck.
- Police later encountered a man named Jeffrey and a truck with belongings; the truck was later determined to be stolen.
- Detectives Miranda-warned Peterson and questioned her; she made inculpatory statements after the warning.
- Peterson moved to suppress her statements as involuntary and as Miranda-violative; the trial court denied the motions; the conviction stands pending review.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether denial of a suppression hearing on Miranda grounds was error | Peterson invokes Miranda rights and requests a hearing | State contends merits-only ruling; no hearing needed | Remanded for a suppression hearing on Miranda and voluntariness |
| Whether voluntariness requires a hearing to determine if statements were involuntary | Voluntariness merits a hearing after timely objection | State contends no hearing needed beyond suppression review | Entitled to a voluntariness-hearing; remand accordingly |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Szpyrka, 220 Ariz. 59, 202 P.3d 524 (Ariz. 2008) (clear invocation of right to silence; test is objective; duty to honor invocation)
- State v. Stanley, 167 Ariz. 519, 809 P.2d 944 (Ariz. 1991) (review standard for suppression rulings; abuse-of-discretion with de novo legal review)
- State v. Newell, 212 Ariz. 389, 132 P.3d 833 (Ariz. 2006) (legal conclusions de novo in suppression context)
- State v. Montes, 136 Ariz. 491, 667 P.2d 191 (Ariz. 1983) (distinguishes separate grounds for suppression; invocation of rights)
- State v. Finehout, 136 Ariz. 226, 665 P.2d 570 (Ariz. 1983) (ambiguity of invocation; clarifying questions permitted)
- State v. Jessen, 134 Ariz. 458, 657 P.2d 871 (Ariz. 1982) (remains relevant to voluntariness and suppression)
- State v. Simoneau, 98 Ariz. 2, 401 P.2d 404 (Ariz. 1965) (remand for suppression proceedings respects timely appellate review)
- State v. Diaz, 223 Ariz. 358, 224 P.3d 174 (Ariz. 2010) (remand for limited proceedings to resolve suppression issues)
- State v. Tannahill, 100 Ariz. 59, 411 P.2d 166 (Ariz. 1966) (remand procedure in voluntariness/suppression context)
- Berghuis v. Thompkins, U.S. 560, 130 S. Ct. 2250 (2010) (Ambiguous silence and clarifying questions doctrine)
- Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602 (1966) (mandatory invocation of rights; questioning must cease upon invocation)
