State v. Lorenz

In this case we consider whether the trial court erred when it refused to include in the “to convict” instruction a finding of sexual gratification for the crime of first degree child molestation. We also consider whether the trial court erred when it admitted petitioner Pamela Jean Lorenz’s written statement after ruling that Miranda1 rights were not required because Lorenz was not in custody. We hold that sexual gratification is properly included in the separate instruction defining “sexual contact” and is not an essential element of first degree child molestation. Further, we hold that…