WA: Parole system can issue PV arrest warrants; Fourth Amendment’s “neutral and detached magistrate” requirement inapplicable

Despite the broader protection of the state constitution, a parole violation arrest warrant does not have to be issued only by a “neutral and detached magistrate” under the state constitution, and the trial court erred in holding that even the Fourth Amendment required it. As in every other state, the parole system itself can issue the warrant, if on reasonable suspicion of a violation. State v. Olson, 164 Wn. App. 187, 262 P.3d 828 (2011), surveying the law nationwide:

¶8 A great number of states have statutes equivalent to Washington’s that permit a parole board or parole officer to issue an arrest warrant due to an offender’s parole violation. And courts throughout the country have routinely upheld the constitutionality of statutes that do not require an arrest warrant to be issued under oath or affirmation and by a neutral magistrate. (footnotes omitted)

The money in this case was seized under a search warrant for drugs, and the defendant ultimately prevailed on appeal and reversed his conviction. Yet, he loses the forfeiture because he can’t prove the money was his. City of Walla Walla v. $401,333.44, 164 Wn. App. 236, 262 P.3d 1239 (2011).*

Defendant’s stop was on reasonable suspicion, and the fact he was determined on booking to be an alien unlawfully in the U.S. would not be suppressed. United States v. Rosas-Herrera, 816 F. Supp. 2d 273 (M.D. N.C. 2011).*

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