Criminal Procedure Flashcards
4A Rule
The 4A prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.
Elements for D to assert 4A violation
To assert a 4A violation, D must demonstrate 1) gov’t conduct, 2) reasonable expectation of privacy (REOP) in the place searched or thing seized, and 3) standing to assert their own rights.
4A seizure
A seizure occurs if, under the totality of the circumstances, a reasonable person would not feel free to leave
Types of 4A seizures
Traffic stops
Terry stops
Police checkpoints
Arrests
Traffic stop
Traffic stops are valid if the officer has reasonable suspicion or PC that a traffic law has been violated.
Terry stop
An officer can stop a person if they have reasonable suspicion that the person may be engaged in criminal activity. The Terry stop must be brief and only long enough to verify or dispel suspicions.
Police checkpoint
Police checkpoints are generally valid so long as 1) stop is conducted in a non-discriminatory manner, and 2) the purpose of the checkpoint isn’t for general crime prevention.
Arrest requirements
An arrest in D’s home generally requires an arrest warrant. However, an arrest warrant is not required to make an arrest in public so long as the officer witnessed a crime or has PC to believe that a crime has been committed.
4A search
To conduct a search, the gov’t must have a warrant supported by PC. Otherwise, the search must fall under an exception to the warrant requirement.
Probable cause
PC exists if it’s based on reasonably trustworthy facts that suggest a crime has occurred.
Warrant requirements
Warrants must be 1) supported by PC, 2) issued by a detached & neutral magistrate, and 3) describes with particularity the thing to be seized or place to be searched.
Warrant exceptions
(SPACES)
Search incident to arrest
Plain view
Automobile
Consent
Exigent circumstances
Stop & Frisk (Terry stop)
Search incident to arrest (SITA)
An officer may conduct a warrantless search in the immediate area around the arrestee.
Scope of SITA in home
The SITA exception includes protective sweeps of the arrestee’s home if the arrest was made at home.
Scope of SITA in car
The SITA exception includes a search of the vehicle if there is a reasonable belief that the vehicle has evidence of a crime.
Limitations of SITA
SITA does not permit a search of nearby cellphones or laptops
Plain view exception
an officer may seize an item w/o a warrant if 1) officer is lawfully on the premises, 2) incriminating nature of the item is immediately apparent, and 3) officer can lawfully obtain the item.
Automobile exception
officer can search anywhere in a vehicle so long as it’s supported by PC. This includes the trunk and locked containers.
Consent exception
D may consent to search so long as it’s voluntary, which is based on the totality of the circumstances.
Consent exception - co owner consent
A co-owner of the property can consent if D isn’t present.
Consent exception - 3P consent
A 3rd party who doesn’t own or live on the property can consent if they have apparent authority.
Exigent circumstances exception
No warrant is needed if the totality of the circumstances indicate an emergency circumstances such as pursuit or medical need.
Stop & Frisk (Terry stop) exception
The officer may pat down the detainee for weapons only if the officer reasonably believes the suspect might be armed and dangerous.
Stop & Frisk (Terry stop) exception - Plain feel
If the officer feels an object that is obviously contraband during pat down, the officer may seize it under the ‘plain feel’ exception.
Stop & Frisk (Terry stop) exception - Traffic stop
During a traffic stop, an officer can search for weapons in the passenger compartment only if there’s a reasonable suspicion that the detainee is dangerous.
5A rule
The 5A protects a person against compelled self-incrimination. This means that statements made during custodial interrogation are inadmissible unless D was properly apprised of their Miranda rights.
Custody
A person is in custody if they reasonably believe they are not free to leave.
Interrogation
Interrogation includes any conduct by officers reasonably likely to elicit a response from D.