United States v. Daniel

The defendant, Salam Daniel, an Iraqi national who is a permanent resident alien, appeals his jury conviction on firearms and drug trafficking charges: possession of unregistered dynamite in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). The question presented in this case is whether the District Court erred in admitting as evidence at Daniels trial two of his own statements. Daniel made the first statement following a Miranda warning but arguably under coercive circumstances. He made the second statement the following day after receiving a Miranda warning and after signing a written waiver. The District Court ruled that the first statement was not made under coercive circumstances and that both statements could be admitted. We affirm the defendants conviction for the reasons set forth below.