State v. Barksdale

Syllabus

In this criminal appeal, the State appeals the trial court's suppression of incriminating statements that Leon L. Barksdale made regarding his alcohol consumption prior to a traffic accident. The State argues (1) the record contains no evidence to support the court's ruling that Barksdale was in custody at the time he was questioned regarding his alcohol consumption (2) the court erred by utilizing an incorrect definition of \custody\ as set forth in Miranda v. Arizona and its progeny and (3) the court improperly relied on the subjective intentions and knowledge of the officer that questioned Barksdale rather than the totality of the circumstances. We reverse and remand.