What is the test for a defendant to invoke his right to counsel during questioning?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Corral, 72 F.3d 136 (9th Cir. 1995):

This court reviews for clear error a district court's factual findings concerning the words used by a defendant to invoke his right to counsel; whether those words invoke the right to counsel is reviewed de novo. United States v. Ogbuehi, 18 F.3d 807, 813 (9th Cir.1994).

A defendant has a right to terminate questioning by invoking his right to counsel; but the invocation, when viewed objectively, must be an unambiguous request for counsel. Davis v. United States, 114 S.Ct. 2350, 2355 (1994). "[Defendant] must articulate his desire to have counsel present sufficiently clearly that a reasonable police officer in the circumstances would understand the statement to be a request for an attorney." Id. See also Ogbuehi, 18 F.3d at 813 (interrogation must cease if defendant's words, as ordinary people would understand them, clearly indicate desire for counsel).

Other Questions


Can a criminal defendant waive his Sixth Amendment right to counsel to invoke his right to self-representation? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
When an unrepresented defendant in police custody invokes his right to a lawyer, what is the effect of that right? ("New York", United States of America)
When a criminal defendant is denied the right to appear in court pro se, can he rely on the "harmless error analysis" to determine if he has ever invoked his right to self-representation? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a defendant have the right to defend herself in a civil proceeding without the assistance of counsel? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the effect of counsel not advising a defendant that he had a right to testify even if counsel recommended against it? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have courts considered Miranda warnings that do not inform a defendant of his right to consult with appointed counsel prior to questioning? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a defendant who dismisses his counsel on the eve of trial have been deprived of his right to retain counsel of his choice? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a criminal defendant have a constitutional right to waive his right to counsel and represent himself in court pro se? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any reason to impeach a defendant for not invoking his right to counsel post-arrest? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What is the test for whether a defendant invoked his right to counsel while he was being transported to the police station? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.