E.D.Cal.: By entering a National Wildlife Refuge, a hunter does not impliedly consent to a search

By entering a National Wildlife Refuge, a hunter does not impliedly consent to a search. United States v. Azevedo, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84591 (E.D. Cal. July 21, 2010):

Resolution of this motion therefore turns on whether by his entry onto the National Wildlife Refuge to hunt, Azevedo thereby gave his implied consent to a search for purposes of enforcing all applicable laws and regulations. The government argues that hunting in general is a heavily regulated activity and that all hunters are aware of compliance checks. The government also argues that various provisions of Title 50 C.F.R., state law, brochures, training booklets, and the “Harvest Record” permit issued to those hunting at the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge advise hunters of what they may and may not do (including that they may not possess controlled substances) and that they may be subject to ejection if they violate those provisions. Thus, the government concludes, just like an airline passenger who elects to fly thereby subjects himself to search upon entering the security checkpoint outside the gate area, defendant AZEVEDO had two options: enter the refuge and subject himself to possible search or not hunt. The government’s argument misses the mark and is unpersuasive.

Where it is clear that the stop was justified, the standing question is moot. United States v. Houston, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84438 (W.D. Tex. August 16, 2010).*

There was probable cause for issuance of four search warrants where the probable cause for the arrest was included in the affidavit for the warrants. The CI was corroborated and had a history with the officers. United States v. Ortega, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84715 (D. Minn. May 25, 2010), adopted 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84706 (D. Minn. August 16, 2010).*

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.