USA v. Fender

3:17-cr-00231Ndd6 févr. 2018

Texte intégral

1
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NORTH DAKOTA
United States of America, 	)
)
Plaintiff, 	) 	ORDER DENYING
) 	DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO
vs. 	) 	SUPRESS EVIDENCE
)
Selica Jane Fender, 	)
) 	Case No. 3:17-cr-231
Defendant. 	)
On October 18, 2017, Selica Jane Fender was charged in an indictment with the
offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance
in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2 and possession with intent to
distribute a controlled substance in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2. See
Docket No. 20. 	On November 19, 2017, Fender filed a motion to suppress evidence. 	See
Docket No. 28. On November 20, 2017, Fender filed an amended motion to suppress evidence.
See Docket No. 30. 	In the suppression motion, Fender seeks to suppress physical evidence
seized during the search of a vehicle she was driving and statements made by Fender to law
enforcement. The Government filed a brief in opposition to the motion on December 7, 2017.
See Docket No. 39. An evidentiary hearing was held on February 2, 2018, in Bismarck, North
Dakota. See Docket No. 47. For the reasons set forth below, the Court denies the motion to
suppress.
I. 	BACKGROUND
On October 10, 2017, McLean County Deputy Sheriff Justin Cote-Kanning stopped a
Honda Accord bearing California license plates driving north along Highway 41 in rural North
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 1 of 15
2
Dakota. 	At the suppression hearing, Deputy Cote-Kanning testified he stopped the vehicle
because the vehicle crossed the fog line of the highway. 	When Deputy Cote-Kanning
approached the vehicle, he indicated to the driver, later identified as Fender, that he stopped the
vehicle because the vehicle “crossed the line back there.” 	See Docket No. 38. 	Fender
responded to Deputy Cote-Kanning by apologizing and indicated she had been washing her
face. 	Deputy Cote-Kanning then requested Fender produce her license, vehicle registration,
and proof of insurance. Deputy Cote-Kanning then asked Fender where she was coming from
and where she was going. Fender responded and indicated she was traveling from California
to Belcourt, North Dakota. 	While searching for documents, Fender also stated the vehicle
belonged to a friend. Deputy Cote-Kanning then informed Fender that as long as everything
came back clear he would only issue her a written warning. See Docket No. 38.
Deputy Cote-Kanning testified that Fender was extremely nervous, with shaky hands,
during their brief initial interaction. 	In fact, on the dash camera recording, Deputy Cote-
Kanning can be heard saying “She is extremely nervous.” See Docket No. 38. Deputy Cote-
Kanning then returned to Fender’s vehicle and issued her a warning for care required. After
doing so, Deputy Cote-Kanning stated he had a couple of questions and inquired whether
Fender had anything illegal in the vehicle, such as guns, knives, narcotics, or large sums of
cash. 	Fender responded by stating none of those items were in the vehicle. 	Deputy Cote-
Kanning than asked if he could search the vehicle and Fender responded “Go ahead.” Fender
proceeded to get out of the vehicle and move toward the patrol vehicle, where Deputy Cote-
Kanning conducted a pat down for weapons and requested Fender remove the contents of her
pockets. 	Deputy Cote-Kanning then asked Fender to remain near the patrol vehicle while
Deputy Cote-Kanning searched the vehicle for approximately eight (8) minutes, including a
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 2 of 15
3
search of the trunk and under the front hood. At one point during the search, Fender instructed
Deputy Cote-Kanning how to access the trunk. 	While conducting his search, Deputy Cote-
Kanning also searched the contents of several bags and suitcases located in the trunk of the
vehicle. From her location, Fender was able to watch Deputy Cote-Kanning search the vehicle,
but at no point did Fender object to Deputy Cote-Kanning’s search.
After he completed the vehicle search, Deputy Cote-Kanning approached Fender and
inquired further about Fender’s trip from California to North Dakota. 	Specifically, Deputy
Cote-Kanning asked Fender who she was going to see in Belcourt. Fender responded that she
was on her way to a friend’s baby shower. Deputy Cote-Kanning then asked Fender the name
of her friend, but Fender could not remember her friend’s name, despite that she had been
driving for at least two days, cross-country for the event. While trying to remember the name
of her friend, Fender explained she was actually friends with the husband or boyfriend of the
pregnant friend. 	Deputy Cote-Kanning then asked if Fender knew where her friend lived.
Fender stated her friend lived in Belcourt and she was going to the casino to meet her friends.
Deputy Cote-Kanning then proceeded to question Fender about her travel plans, including
where she planned to stay while in North Dakota, how long she planned to stay in North Dakota,
when and where the baby shower was scheduled, ownership of the vehicle, and her employment
in California. 	After approximately seven (7) minutes, Deputy Cote-Kanning told Fender
another law enforcement officer would be arriving soon and would likely have some questions
for her. 	In the interim, Deputy Cote-Kanning told Fender her story was “not sounding
appropriate, at all.” See Docket No. 38.
While Deputy Cote-Kanning was asking Fender about the purpose and details of her
travel to North Dakota, Deputy Hulm arrived. Shortly after the arrival of Deputy Hulm, while
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 3 of 15
4
Deputy Cote-Kanning was asking Fender about her travel plans, Fender became somewhat
agitated and asked Deputy Cote-Kanning whether he thought she was lying. Deputies Cote-
Kanning and Hulm responded to Fender by stating that they were trying to understand Fender’s
story. Shortly thereafter, Detective Krohmer arrived, asked Fender a few questions about her
travels, and then asked whether they could take a look at the vehicle. 	Fender indicated the
officers could search the vehicle. During the second search of the vehicle, Deputy Hulm stood
with Fender, conversed with her, and continued to ask her general questions while Detective
Krohmer and Deputy Cote-Kanning searched the vehicle. 	Eventually, a Detective Matties
arrived at the scene. Detective Matties joined other law enforcement officers in the search of
the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, Detective Matties picked up a plastic bag, walked
over to Fender, and asked, “What was in here?” 	It is unclear from the dash camera video
whether Fender responded to the question. 	Detective Krohmer also asked Fender several
questions while he searched the trunk of the vehicle. Again, it is unclear from reviewing the
dash camera video what Fender’s response was.
Deputy Cote-Kanning testified that while he was searching the vehicle, while he had
the backseat of the car down, he located a loose piece of felt fabric. It appeared to be covering
a compartment that was not accessible through the truck. Deputy Cote-Kanning lifted the fabric
and located a secret compartment containing what looked like narcotics. Contemporaneous to
the location of the secret compartment, Detective Matties approached Fender, stating “Here’s
the deal, kid.” He then explained to Fender what the officers located as a result of their search.
After doing so, Detective Matties then asked Fender questions, which are inaudible on the dash
camera recording, with reference to the likely narcotics found in the car. Fender responded to
the questioning with “I have no idea” several times. Detective Matties returned to searching
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 4 of 15
5
the vehicle but then again came back to Fender and began asking her further questions before
handcuffing her and advising her she was under arrest for attempted distribution of
methamphetamine in North Dakota, and advised Fender of her Miranda rights. 	The law
enforcement officers located 22.69 lbs. of methamphetamine and 2.15 lbs. of marijuana in the
car.
Fender was eventually charged in an indictment with the offenses of conspiracy to
possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance in violation of 21 U.S.C.
§§ 841(a)(1) and 846 and18 U.S.C. § 2 and possession with intent to distribute a controlled
substance in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2. See Docket No. 20. Fender
filed the suppression motion before the Court on November 20, 2017. See Docket No. 30. In
the motion, Fender seeks the suppression of evidence obtained during the search of the vehicle
and statements made to officers on October 10, 2017. Fender specifically asserts the evidence
and statements should be suppressed because (1) the initial stop of the vehicle was without
probable cause or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity; (2) Fender’s initial consent to
search the vehicle was unreasonable; (3) Fender’s consent to the second search of the vehicle
was not voluntary, was without intelligent consent, and was the product of duress and coercion;
(4) the duration and method of search, along with the detention of Fender constituted a seizure,
amounted to an arrest, or otherwise made any consent involuntary and the product of coercion
and duress; (5) Fender was subjected to custodial interrogation without the benefit of a Miranda
warning in violation of her constitutional rights. See Docket No. 30, pp. 2-3.
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 5 of 15
6
II. 	LEGAL DISCUSSION
In her motion to suppress evidence, Fender contends law enforcement officers
conducted an unlawful stop of her vehicle on October 10, 2017, and conducted an unlawful
search of her vehicle because Fender’s consent to search the vehicle was not voluntary. Fender
also contends the officers subjected her to a custodial interrogation in violation of Miranda.
A. 	TRAFFIC STOP
Fender first contends probable cause did not exist for Deputy Cote-Kanning to stop the
vehicle she was driving on October 10, 2017. It is well established in the Eighth Circuit that “a
traffic violation - however minor - creates probable cause to stop the driver of a vehicle.”
United States v. Linkous, 285 F.3d 716,719 (8th Cir. 2002). Even if the traffic stop is a pretext
for another investigatory purpose, a traffic violation still creates probable cause. Id. Here, the
recording from Deputy Cote-Kanning’s dash camera clearly demonstrates the vehicle Fender
was driving touched the fog line along the highway multiple times and crossed the line at one
point while Deputy Cote-Kanning was following the vehicle. When Fender was informed by
the officer why he had stopped the vehicle, she responded and apologized, stating she has been
washing her face. Based upon such undisputable evidence, it is clear to the Court that Deputy
Cote-Kanning had a reasonable, articulable suspicion that a traffic law was violated and,
therefore, his initial traffic stop of Fender was valid.
B. 	CONSENT TO SEARCH VEHICLE
Fender next contends her consent to the search of the vehicle was unreasonable under
the circumstances and the searches were beyond the scope of any such consent. The Defendant
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 6 of 15
7
does not appear to contest that Fender’s consent to the initial search was voluntary.1 	The
Government asserts Fender’s consent to search the vehicle on two separate occasions, were
voluntary, and not the product of duress or coercion. The Court examines the circumstances of
each instance in turn to determine whether such consent was given voluntarily to search the
vehicle.
According to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, consent to a search is voluntary “if
the consenting individual has a reasonable appreciation of the nature and significance of [her]
actions.” United States v. Saenz, 474 F.3d 1132, 1136 (8th Cir. 2007) (quoting United States
v. Rambo, 789 F.2d 1289, 1297 (8th Cir. 1986)). 	Moreover, consent is voluntary when it is
“the product of an essentially free and unconstrained choice by its maker” rather than “the
product of duress or coercion, express or implied.” Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 U.S. 218,
225-227. The Government carries the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence
that consent was voluntary. Id. at 1137.
To evaluate whether Fender’s consent was voluntary, the Court is required to examine
the totality of the circumstances and consider the following relevant factors: (1) her age, (2) her
general intelligence and education, (3) whether she was intoxicated or under the influence of
drugs when consenting, (4) whether she consented after being informed of her right to withhold
consent or of her Miranda rights, and (5) whether she was aware of the protections afforded to
suspected criminals. United States v. Chaidez, 906 F.2d 377, 381 (8th Cir. 1990). Further, the
Court should also consider whether the person who consented (1) was detained and questioned
for a long or short period of time; (2) was threatened, physically intimidated, or punished by
1 The Defendant acknowledges in her brief “Fender appears to have consented to an initial search of the motor
vehicle freely and voluntarily . . . .” See Docket No. 29, p. 8.
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 7 of 15
8
the police; (3) relied upon promises or misrepresentations made by the police; (4) was in
custody or under arrest when the consent was given; (5) was in public or a secluded place; or
(6) either objected to the search or stood silent while the search was conducted. Id.
The Defendant appears to concede she voluntarily consented to the initial search of the
vehicle. See Docket No. 29, p. 8. Nonetheless, based upon a review of the recording from the
dash camera, the Court independently concludes Fender voluntarily consented to the initial
search of the vehicle by Deputy Cote-Kanning. None of the factors outlined in Chaidez weigh
in favor of finding Fender’s initial consent was the result of duress or coercion, but instead
weigh in favor of finding Fender’s consent was the result of “free and unconstrained choice”
by Fender. See Chaidez, 906 F.2d at 381.
The Court then turns to evaluate whether Fender voluntarily consented to the second
search of the vehicle that occurred after several other law enforcement officers arrived at the
scene. Based upon the Court’s review of the dash camera video and the testimony elicited at
the suppression hearing, at the time of consent Fender does not appear to be intoxicated or under
the influence of drugs. Fender was thirty-four (34) years old at the time and appeared to be able
to 	understand 	and 	effectively 	communicate 	with 	the 	officers, 	demonstrating 	adequate
intelligence and education. In addition, the record reveals Fender had previously been arrested,
which suggests she had an increased awareness of her rights. 	See United States v. Mancias,
350 F.3d 800, 805 (8th Cir. 2003); Chaidez, 906 F.2d at 381 (noting the defendant’s prior
encounters with the criminal justice system increased his awareness of the rights of accused
persons).
Moreover, the environmental factors under which Fender consented to the second
search, on the whole, reinforce the conclusion that Fender consented to the second search of the
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 8 of 15
9
vehicle. Fender was not under arrest2 at the time she consented to the second search; nor was
Fender detained and questioned for an extended period of time prior to consenting to the search.
While four law enforcement officers were present, no evidence presented during the
suppression hearing suggests the officers intimidated, threatened, or coerced Fender at any time
in any manner to consent to the search. See United States v. VaLerie, 424 F.3d 694, 709 (8th
Cir. 2005) (en banc) (concluding the presence of several law enforcement officers surrounding
defendant did not negate the defendant’s consent to search). 	The dash camera video reveals
law enforcement officers treated Fender respectfully during their interactions and the search
took place on an open state highway in McLean County, North Dakota. 	Fender also fully
cooperated with officers during the traffic stop, as well as the search of the vehicle.
The Court is aware that none of the officers informed Fender of her right to withhold
consent to search the vehicle. Fender was also not given a Miranda warning. The Court also
notes that although the location of the vehicle search was certainly public, the searches occurred
in a rural area of North Dakota, miles away from any town. The Court recognizes that these
circumstantial factors may have had the subtle effect of diminishing the voluntariness of
Fender’s consent to search the vehicle. Even considering these circumstantial factors that may
have had a de minimal effect on the voluntariness of Fender’s consent, the Court finds Fender’s
consent to the second search was voluntary. The Court is ever mindful of Fender’s cooperative
nature and the non-confrontational mannerisms of law enforcement officers during their
interactions with her, causing the totality of the circumstances to weigh in favor of the Court
concluding Fender’s consent to the second search was voluntary. See Chaidez, 906 F.2d at 381.
2 The Court notes the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has expressly recognized that even if a suspect is in
custody, she may voluntarily consent to a search. United States v. Comstock, 531 F.3d 667, 678 (8th Cir. 2008)
(quoting Chaidez, 906 F.2d at 382).
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 9 of 15
10
The Defendant also contends the vehicle searches were beyond the scope of her consent
to search. “A consensual search may not legally exceed the scope of the consent supporting it.”
Id. at 382. 	At the suppression hearing, defense counsel asserted Fender could not have
voluntarily consented to the scope of the search, namely to the secret compartment in which the
drugs were found, because she was unable to view what areas the officer was searching in the
backseat of the car from her location by the patrol car. In numerous cases, the Eighth Circuit
Court of Appeals has found suspects’ consent to search a vehicle may extend to searches of
compartments, including secret compartments, which are an integral part of the vehicle. United
States v. Ferrer-Montoya, 483 F.3d 565, 568-69 (8th Cir. 2007); United States v. Barragan, 379
F.3d 524, 530 (8th Cir. 2004) (concluding that when the defendant consented to search the
entire vehicle for drugs, money, and explosive, it was reasonable for officers to believe the
consent extended to a compartment integral to the car).
Just prior to asking Fender for consent to search the vehicle, Deputy Cote-Kanning
inquired whether Fender had anything illegal in the vehicle, such as guns, knives, narcotics, or
large sums of cash. Deputy Cote-Kanning’s question well defines the scope of the search: guns,
knives, narcotics, or large sums of cash. 	Fender granted generally permission to search the
vehicle. 	Deputy Cote-Kanning could reasonably interpret Fender’s unqualified consent to
search the vehicle to include the search of any compartments or containers within the vehicle
that may contain guns, knives, narcotics, or large sums of cash. See Ferrer-Montoya, 483 F.3d
at 568. Additionally, at no point during either the initial or second search of the vehicle, did
Fender withdrew her consent, object to the scope of the search, or inform the officers she would
like them to stop the search. Based upon the Court’s careful review of the video from the dash
camera, and the testimony presented at the suppression hearing, it is clear Fender acquiesced to
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 10 of 15
11
the broad scope of the vehicle search. See Chaidez, 906 F.2d at 382-83. Under the totality of
the circumstances, the Court concludes the scope of both vehicle searches did not exceed the
scope of Fender’s consent. The Court finds the Government has met its burden and proven by
the preponderance of the evidence that the consent to search was voluntary.
C. 	STATEMENTS BY FENDER
Fender next contends the officers subjected her to a custodial interrogation in violation
of Miranda and any statements she made should be suppressed. The Fifth Amendment of the
United States Constitution provides a privilege against self-incrimination. 	Given this Fifth
Amendment privilege, certain procedural safeguards must be employed prior to interrogation
of an individual by law enforcement officers. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444 (1966).
It is well-established that law enforcement officers must administer Miranda warnings
whenever a suspect is "taken into custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom by the
authorities in any significant way and is subjected to questioning." Id. at 478-79. The basic
rule of Miranda is that an individual must be advised of the right to be free from compulsory
self-incrimination and the right to the assistance of an attorney when an individual is taken into
custody for questioning. 	United States v. Griffin, 922 F.2d 1343, 1347 (8th Cir. 1990)).
Accordingly, Miranda requires that law enforcement officers advise an individual as to the
availability of this privilege against self-incrimination and to the assistance of counsel when the
individual is interrogated while in custody. Id. “If the individual indicates in any manner, at
any time prior to or during questioning, that he wishes to remain silent, the interrogation must
cease.” Miranda, 384 U.S. at 473-74.
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 11 of 15
12
“Miranda warnings are required when a suspect is interrogated while in custody.”
United States v. Aldridge, 664 F.3d 705, 711 (8th Cir. 2011). 	For purposes of Miranda, an
individual is in custody when she is either formally arrested or her freedom of movement is
constrained to a degree equivalent with formal arrest. United States v. Brave Heart, 397 F.3d
1035, 1038 (8th Cir. 2005). 	Custody depends on the totality of the circumstances, and the
relevant factors, known as Griffin factors, to consider include:
(1) whether the suspect was informed at the time of questioning that the
questioning was voluntary, that the suspect was free to leave or request the
officers to do so, or that the suspect was not considered under arrest; (2) whether
the suspect possessed unrestrained freedom of movement during questioning;
(3) 	whether 	the 	suspect 	initiated 	contact 	with 	authorities 	or 	voluntarily
acquiesced to official requests to respond to questions; (4) whether strong arm
tactics or deceptive stratagems were employed during questioning; (5) whether
the atmosphere of the questioning was police-dominated; or, (6) whether the
suspect was placed under arrest at the termination of the questioning.
Aldridge, 644 F.3d. at 711 (citing United States v. Griffin, 922 F.2d 1343, 1349 (8th Cir. 1990)).
The ultimate test is whether a reasonable person in that position would have felt free to end the
interview. Id. "The first three indicia are mitigating factors which, if present, mitigate against
the existence of custody at the time of questioning. 	Conversely, the last three indicia are
aggravating factors which, if present, aggravate the existence of custody." 	United States v.
Axsom, 289 F.3d 496, 500-01 (8th Cir. 2002).
In Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420 (1984), the United States Supreme Court
concluded Miranda warnings are not mandatory during routine traffic stops due to the non-
threatening and non-coercive nature of such stops. However, in its analysis, the Supreme Court
cautioned that Miranda warnings are required if, at any point during a stop, a suspect’s freedom
is curtailed to a “degree associated with formal arrest.” 	Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 440 (citing
California v. Beheler, 463 U.S. 1121, 1125 (1983)(per curiam)). In the matter before the Court,
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 12 of 15
13
the law enforcement officers were certainly permitted to question Fender consistent with the
proper scope and purpose of the traffic stop. 	Nonetheless, pursuant to the Supreme Court’s
directive in Berkemer, the Court must consider whether Fender’s freedom was curtailed to a
degree associated with a formal arrest at some point during the stop. See Berkemer, 468 U.S.
at 440.
The Court concludes that Deputy Cote-Kanning had a reasonable, articulable suspicion
to justify the initial traffic stop. 	The question for the Court to then consider is whether the
officers’ actions transformed the initial, justifiable traffic stop into an instance in which officers
should have administered a Miranda warning. 	The evidence presented at the suppression
hearing unquestionably demonstrated the traffic stop in this matter began as a typical roadside
traffic stop that did not require the procedural safeguards of Miranda. Typically, these roadside
traffic stops are brief, conducted in public, outside a police-dominated environment, and
motorists expect they will continue their travels after an officer issues a citation. See Berkemer,
468 U.S. at 437-439. 	Thus, questioning during a typical traffic stop is different than
“stationhouse interrogation,” which is frequently prolonged and police dominated. Id. at 438-
39. Therefore, the Court must consider whether Fender’s freedom of movement was curtailed
to a “degree associated with formal arrest” to require the officers to administer a Miranda
warning at any point after the initial traffic stop concluded when Deputy Cote-Kanning issued
Fender a warning citation. Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 440 (citing California v. Beheler, 463 U.S.
1121, 1125 (1983)(per curiam)).
The Court concludes the factors outlined in Griffin do not weigh in favor of a finding
Fender was in custody during any portion of the stop. 	Shortly after Deputy Cote-Kanning
issued Fender a warning citation, Fender gave Deputy Cote-Kanning consent to search the
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 13 of 15
14
vehicle. Consequently, Fender got out of the vehicle and Deputy-Cote-Kanning escorted her
to the front of his patrol car. Deputy Cote-Kanning then conducted a pat-down of Fender for
safety purposes. Deputy Cote-Kanning did not inform Fender she was being detained. Fender
was not handcuffed or restrained in anyway while Deputy Cote-Kanning searched the vehicle.
Shortly after the initial search of the vehicle, while Deputy Cote-Kanning questioned Fender,
additional law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. 	Deputy Cote-Kanning also did not
inform Fender she was free to leave after he concluded the traffic stop or after the initial search
of the vehicle.
Although these circumstantial factors suggest Fender’s freedom of movement was
arguably curtailed, the Court is not persuaded these factors outweigh those Griffin factors that
weigh in favor of finding Fender was not in custody. 	Although three officers were present
during much of Fender’s interaction with law enforcement, none of the officers employed
strong arm tactics or deceptive strategems during questioning. As discussed above, the officers
were courteous and polite toward Fender. 	In fact, at one point, Fender requested a cigarette
from the vehicle, which an officer retrieved for her. Further, the questioning of Fender took
place on the side of a public highway. See Berkemer, 468 U.S. at 438 (concluding “exposure
to public view both reduces the ability of an unscrupulous policeman to use illegitimate means
to elicit self-incriminating statement and diminishes the motorist’s fear that, if he does not
cooperate, he will be subjected to abuse”). 	Although Fender remained in front of the patrol
vehicle during the duration of her interaction with the officers, she was never instructed she had
to remain there. 	Moreover, the Court finds those the factors articulated in support of the
conclusion that Fender’s consent to search the vehicle was voluntary similarly weigh in favor
of finding Fender was not in custody.
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 14 of 15
15
Instructive to the Court’s analysis is the general rule that “temporary and relatively
nonthreatening detention involved in a traffic or Terry stop does not constitute Miranda
custody.” Maryland v. Shatzer, 559 U.S. 98, 113 (2010). Based on a careful consideration of
the Griffin factors and an analysis of the totality of the circumstances, the Court finds Fender
was not subjected to a formal arrest or restraint on her freedom of movement to the degree
associated with arrest during the traffic stop and prior to her arrest. See Berkemer, 468 U.S. at
440. The Court finds that Fender was not in custody for purposes of Miranda during the stop
and prior to her formal arrest. While Fender was standing near her vehicle prior to her arrest,
she was not physically restrained. Although a pat down search occurred, it was done for officer
safety and did not limit Fender’s freedom of movement. There was never any strong-arm tactics
or deceptive stratagems employed during the questioning. 	And, Fender was at all time
cooperative and voluntarily responded to questions without hesitation. Based on the totality of
the circumstances, the Court finds the suppression of any statements made by Fender on
October 10, 2017, is not warranted.
III. 	CONCLUSION
The Court has carefully reviewed the entire record, the parties’ arguments, the evidence
presented at the suppression hearing, and the relevant case law. For the reasons outlined above,
the Court DENIES Fender’s amended motion to suppress (Docket No. 30).
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated this 6th day of February, 2018.
/s/ Daniel L. Hovland
Daniel L. Hovland, District Judge
United States District Court
Case 3:17-cr-00231-DLH Document 48 Filed 02/06/18 Page 15 of 15

Poursuivez vos recherches dans ChatGPT ou Claude

Connectez Omnilex pour rechercher dans le corpus juridique depuis votre assistant IA.