Criminal Law _ CRIM PRO Flashcards
Definition – Government Action Requirement
SEARCH & SEIZURE
Search & Seizure must be made by a government agent or at the direction of the government
Definition – Search
SEARCH & SEIZURE
A government search of a location with a reasonable expectation of privacy
Open Fields Doctrine:
SEARCH & SEIZURE
- Open areas with no expectation of privacy
- Not a search
Definition – Probable Cause
SEARCH & SEIZURE
A reasonable person would conclude it is more probable than not that a crime has taken place
Hypo: A cop has probable cause that Jon has cocaine in his closet. Can the cop enter Jon’s house to search for the cocaine?
SEARCH & SEIZURE
If the cops enter Jon’s house without a warrant and finds cocaine, it will be inadmissible
Definition – Warrant Requirement
( ____ ) Must be pursuant to a warrant
SEARCH & SEIZURE
Generally, searches must be pursuant to a warrant
Elements of a Warrant:
SEARCH & SEIZURE
1) Issued by detached magistrate
2) Facts must be fresh
3) Persons/Places must be specific
4) Cannot exceed the scope
AdaptiTip
Typically police must ( ____ ) but a search will still be valid if they have a warrant
SEARCH & SEIZURE
Typically police must “Knock and Announce” but a search will still be valid if they have a warrant
Informants
SEARCH & SEIZURE
- Police can rely on informants for probable cause
- To find if an informant is reliable, look to the totality of the circumstances
Plain View:
SEARCH & SEIZURE
- Police can seize what is in plain view during a lawful search
Example:
o Police in your house with a warrant see marijuana
cigarettes on the stairs
Illegal Search:
SEARCH & SEIZURE
- Will NOT automatically dismiss indictment
Protective Sweep
SEARCH & SEIZURE
- Search for additional criminals
- Allowed for safety with proof of others present
Consent
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- One who has control/apparent authority over the property
Co-occupant Consent:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- A present co-occupant can refuse
- A non-present co-occupant cannot refuse
Search Incident to Lawful Arrest:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
1) Arrest must be lawful
2) Search of person/wingspan
Examples:
o Briefcase
o Pockets
Arrest of a Car Occupant:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
Police may search passenger compartment IF:
1) Occupant is unsecured
2) Reasonable belief of evidence of CRIME OF
ARREST
Inventory Search:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- After arrest at the police station, police can search the person/car
Exigent Circumstances:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- Reasonable belief evidence may be lost or destroyed
- Exception to the Warrant Rule
Do not pick an exigent circumstance answer choice unless there are exigent circumstances discussed in the facts, even though it may legally be correct, it is the wrong answer
Automobile Exception:
Illegal Automobile Stop –
No Traffic Violation:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- If there was no reason to pull the car over, nothing found is admissible
Automobile Exception:
Legal Automobile Stop –
Traffic Violation:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- Police cannot search the car
- Unless some evidence of other crimes
During a stop for a traffic violation, police cannot search the car, glove box, or trunk unless there is evidence of another crime
Automobile Exception:
Automobile Stop – Probable Cause:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- Police may search entire car if probable cause the car is carrying contraband
Boarder Search:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
* No warrant necessary
Search Outside United States:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- US officials may search you on foreign land
Dog Sniff:
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WARRANT RULE
- NOT a search in a public place