Lonnie Was the Driver of a Car Involved in a Hit-And-Run

Multiple Choice

Lonnie was the driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run accident that left a pedestrian in critical condition. A high speed pursuit ended when Lonnie crashed his car into a fence. He ran from the scene but was captured three blocks away. He was driven to the police station by Officer Marsh and Officer Nelson. During the drive the officers discussed the case: Officer Marsh: "Did you hear any more about the pedestrian?" "Have you heard anything about the pedestrian?" Officer Nelson: "Only what the EMT said - the poor guy is in bad shape, may not make it through the night." Officer Marsh: "So it could be a murder case?" Lonnie: "No!! I didn't mean to kill anyone!" One hour later Detective Olson questioned Lonnie in an interrogation room. He started by giving Lonnie the Miranda warnings and making sure Lonnie understood them. He then asked questions and Lonnie admitted that he was driving too fast, but he said he didn't hit the pedestrian. Detective Olson then told Lonnie that he had to stand in a line-up so people who witnessed the accident could decide if he was the person who was driving when the pedestrian was hit. Will Lonnie's statement that he didn't mean to kill anyone be admissible in court?

A) Yes, the statement was made when there was no formal interrogation taking place.
B) Yes, the Miranda warnings are only required if questioning is done in the inherently coercive atmosphere of a police station.
C) No, the officers were using indirect questions in order to obtain a statement from Lonnie.
D) No, statements suspects make to police officers are only admissible in court if the police provide a recording of the statement.