State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent and Cross-Appellant v. Rahmil O’neal, Defendant-Appellant and…

Summary

The Court held that the officers had probable cause to arrest and search defendant, that the defendant was in custody when he answered the officer's question and the Miranda violation was harmless, that the ineffective‑assistance claim failed because the motion to suppress was meritless and waived, and that the sentence was not excessive. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and remanded for reinstatement of the conviction and sentence. Justice Rivera‑Soto, in a concurring opinion, disputed the majority's analysis of custody and the application of the Miranda safety exception.