Which scenario constitutes custody for Miranda purposes?

Which scenario constitutes custody for Miranda purposes?

• A. A suspect is in a public place talking to officers
• B. A suspect is handcuffed and in a patrol car
• C. A suspect is free to leave
• D. A suspect is at home with the door unlocked

Answer: (B)

Miranda custody turns on whether a reasonable person would feel not free to leave and end the questioning. Being handcuffed and placed in a patrol car clearly shows restraint and loss of freedom, so the encounter is custodial and would require Miranda warnings before any interrogation. In the other scenarios, the person is not restrained or prevented from leaving: talking in a public place, being free to walk away, or being at home with an unlocked door typically means the person could terminate the encounter and leave, so these do not constitute custody for Miranda purposes.

Miranda custody turns on whether a reasonable person would feel not free to leave and end the questioning. Being handcuffed and placed in a patrol car clearly shows restraint and loss of freedom, so the encounter is custodial and would require Miranda warnings before any interrogation.

In the other scenarios, the person is not restrained or prevented from leaving: talking in a public place, being free to walk away, or being at home with an unlocked door typically means the person could terminate the encounter and leave, so these do not constitute custody for Miranda purposes.