Crawford v. State

Crawford appeals his convictions of sexual battery and robbery. We reverse and remand for a new trial because a state witness improperly commented on defendant’s right to remain silent.

In response to a question put by the prosecutor, a police officer testified that the defendant, having been advised of his Miranda rights and having answered a few preliminary questions, “decided not to answer any more of my questions.” Defense counsel objected to the officer’s statement, contending that it constituted an improper comment on the defendant’s decision to remain silent. Counsel also moved for a…