State v. Senn
Annotate this CaseDefendant was detained at the police station for suspicion of drunk driving but was not yet formally charged when he made a phone call with a lawyer to get advice regarding the implied-consent procedure and his decision whether to refuse a breathalyzer test. The arresting officer was present during Defendant’s phone call, which was allowed under Iowa Code 804.20. Defendant’s lawyer did not arrive in time, and Defendant submitted to the test. Defendant was subsequently charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Defendant filed a motion to suppress the test result, arguing that he was entitled to a private phone consultation with counsel before chemical testing was conducted. The district court denied the motion, and Defendant was convicted as charged. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the right to counsel under the Iowa and United States Constitutions does not attach until formal criminal charges are filed; and (2) Defendant’s right to counsel had not attached at the time Defendant was asked to submit to the chemical breath test, and therefore, Defendant’s constitutional right to counsel was not violated.
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