Salazar v. State

SHARP, Judge.

A jury found Salazar guilty of importing marijuana and conspiracy to import marijuana. The jury heard and considered Salazar’s confession given to the Crystal River police at the police station. Prior to the trial, Salazar moved to suppress the confession because it was not freely or voluntarily given1 and because it was given as a result of his unlawful arrest.2 The trial court denied the motion, and the issue on appeal is whether or not it erred in so ruling.

When a defendant challenges the admissibility of his confession because of fifth and fourth amendment violations, the…