Queens County District Attorney’s Standard “Preamble” to the Miranda Warnings Struck Down.

In a full-fledged opinion by Justice Skelos, the Second Department struck down a so-called “program” which had been put in place by the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.  Pursuant to the “program,” a “preamble” was read to the defendant just before the Miranda warnings were given.  The Second Department determined the preamble rendered the Miranda warnings ineffective.  The Court noted that the defendant was told of his privilege against self-incrimination only after being told (in the preamble) that this was his “only opportunity” to refute what others have said, to correct any misperceptions, and to try to help himself.  The preamble suggested that the prosecutor would not investigate his version of events if he declined to speak with the prosecutor at that time.  Conversely the preamble suggested that, if the defendant agreed to be interviewed, the prosecutor would assist him with such an investigation.  This suggestion, the Second Department held, “is contrary to the very purpose of the warning that anything a suspect says can be used against him … . In essence, the preamble suggests that invoking [the right to remain silent] will bear adverse, and irrevocable, consequences.”  People v Dunbar, 2010-04786, Ind. No. 1217/09 Second Dept. 1-30-13