CNN: What are your rights during a traffic stop?

CNN: What are your rights during a traffic stop? (Video)

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on CNN: What are your rights during a traffic stop?

techdirt: NJ Legislators Want To Ban Drone Photography Of ‘Critical Infrastructure’

techdirt: NJ Legislators Want To Ban Drone Photography Of ‘Critical Infrastructure’:

Government paranoia about “critical infrastructure” will now be extended to drone photography, if New Jersey’s proposed legislation is any indication. While law enforcement agencies are still weighing the Fourth Amendment implications of surveillance drones, some local governments are moving ahead with plans to shortchange the First Amendment.

This new legislation makes it a criminal offense to use a drone to take a photograph of “critical infrastructure.” And what is “critical infrastructure”? Any “asset” whose incapacity—even partial incapacity—would have an impact on the physical or economic security, or public health or safety, of the state. This specifically includes highways, waste treatment facilities, bridges, tunnels, and more.

Posted in Drones | Comments Off on techdirt: NJ Legislators Want To Ban Drone Photography Of ‘Critical Infrastructure’

NE: A stop merely to gather information about a week-old crime was unreasonable

Defendant was stopped to gather information from him about something he allegedly witnessed a week earlier, and he ended up getting arrested for DUI. Lidster and other roadblock cases are discussed, and they don’t apply. The information gathering stop was an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment. State v. Woldt, 23 Neb. App. 42, 2015 Neb. App. LEXIS 124 (July 21, 2015).

Posted in Seizure | Comments Off on NE: A stop merely to gather information about a week-old crime was unreasonable

CA8: Implied consent law is not coercive of consent

Plaintiff’s summary judgment against her for her consensual blood draw in the face of the state’s implied consent law is affirmed. “‘[T]he choice to submit or refuse to take a blood-alcohol test will not be an easy or pleasant one for a suspect to make[, b]ut the criminal process often requires suspects and defendants to make difficult choices.’ Neville, 459 U.S. at 564. Wall’s choice was undoubtedly difficult in view of the penalties of refusal, but the implied consent procedure is an important ‘legal tool[]’ states have at their disposal ‘to enforce their drunk-driving laws and secure BAC evidence.’ McNeely, 569 U.S. at ___, 133 S. Ct. at 1566 (plurality opinion). Wall’s dilemma, alone, does not satisfy her burden of nullifying her otherwise uninhibited consent. See Der, 666 F.3d at 1128.” Wall v. Stanek, 2015 U.S. App. LEXIS 12527 (8th Cir. July 21, 2015).

Posted in Consent, Drug or alcohol testing | Comments Off on CA8: Implied consent law is not coercive of consent

IA: Mistake of law doesn’t support stop (and doesn’t discuss Heien)

Defendant was sitting in a car on a parking lot with an open container, and an officer arrested for that and searched. The court of appeals reversed. The open container law clearly only applies to streets and highways and not parking lots. Mistake of law argument rejected [and Heien not cited]. State v. Brown, 2015 Iowa App. LEXIS 624 (July 22, 2015).

A pocket-dialed call that was listened to for 91 minutes by the recipient, who took notes because it was about her, did not violate Title III because there was no privacy interest in the call. Huff v. Spaw, 14-5123 (6th Cir. July 21, 2015).

Posted in Reasonable expectation of privacy, Reasonableness | Comments Off on IA: Mistake of law doesn’t support stop (and doesn’t discuss Heien)

W.D.Ky.: Where def stole wife’s car, his marital interest in it alone was not standing

Where defendant stole the car he was driving from his wife, his mere ownership interest in the vehicle by marital property is not enough to establish standing. United States v. Williams, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95190 (W.D.Ky. July 22, 2015), R&R 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95381 (W.D.Ky. January 14, 2015):
Continue reading →

Posted in Standing | Comments Off on W.D.Ky.: Where def stole wife’s car, his marital interest in it alone was not standing

DC: Persistent questioning for ten minutes without RS was a seizure

Officers entered an apartment building hallway in SE Washington, and the smell of burnt marijuana was pervasive. They’d seen that before in the same building. None of the four they encountered, however, were seen smoking. Defendant was questioned persistently about his name for ten minutes, and he gave a false name and it turned out there was a probation warrant out on him. The persistent questioning was a seizure without reasonable suspicion. Gordon v. United States, 2015 D.C. App. LEXIS 286 (July 23, 2015).

Officers had a line on defendant probationer staying elsewhere, and they went looking for him with the USM’s Fugitive Task Force. They had reasonable grounds to believe he was living there under Payton for an entry. A protective sweep was justified by sounds from inside before the door was opened. Defendant was found hiding in a closet. There was also consent to enter. United States v. Scott, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 95318 (D.Kan. July 22, 2015).*

Posted in Arrest or entry on arrest, Knock and talk, Reasonable suspicion | Comments Off on DC: Persistent questioning for ten minutes without RS was a seizure

NC: SW for a house did not authorize search of a car of a visitor in the driveway [Reversed 12/21/16]

Officers with a search warrant for a house could not search a car of a visitor in the driveway under the warrant. State v. Lowe, 2015 N.C. App. LEXIS 633 (July 21, 2015). Update: Reversed State v. Lowe, 2016 N.C. LEXIS 1116 (Dec. 21, 2016), rev’d State v. Lowe, 774 S.E.2d 893 (N.C. App. 2015) (posted here):
Continue reading →

Posted in Curtilage, Scope of search | Comments Off on NC: SW for a house did not authorize search of a car of a visitor in the driveway [Reversed 12/21/16]

NY1: Facebook can’t challenge SWs for customer accounts pre-enforcement

There is no pre-enforcement right to challenge search warrants. There are plenty of post-enforcement proceedings available. In re 381 Search Warrants Directed to Facebook, Inc. v New York County Dist. Attorney’s Off., 2015 NY Slip Op 06201, 2015 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 6067 (1st Dept. July 21, 2015):

This appeal raises the question of whether an online social networking service, the ubiquitous Facebook, served with a warrant for customer accounts, can litigate prior to enforcement the constitutionality of the warrant on its customers’ behalf. Rather than complying with the warrant, the online social networking service moved to quash the subpoena. The motion court summarily rejected the pre-enforcement motion, and Facebook appealed. The New York County District Attorney’s Office moved to dismiss the appeal, which we denied. After argument on appeal, we now hold that Facebook cannot litigate the constitutionality of the warrant pre-enforcement on its customers’ behalf.
Continue reading →

Posted in Computer and cloud searches, Motion to suppress | Comments Off on NY1: Facebook can’t challenge SWs for customer accounts pre-enforcement

S.D.Ohio: There was PC for a Facebook account SW

There was probable cause for a Facebook account search warrant for defendant’s account, and it was limited in time so it was not overbroad. Also, the good faith exception would apply. United States v. Lowry, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93257 (S.D.Ohio July 17, 2015).*

The CI was reliable with 12 prior buys and she was corroborated here. Therefore, there was probable cause. State v. Bryant, 2015 Tenn. Crim. App. LEXIS 581 (July 17, 2015).*

2255 petitioner’s IAC search argument was nothing more than a rehash of his direct appeal, and it’s denied. Connor v. United States, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94065 (S.D.Ohio July 20, 2015).*

Posted in Computer and cloud searches, Ineffective assistance, Informant hearsay | Comments Off on S.D.Ohio: There was PC for a Facebook account SW

CA8: Without objection to USMJ’s findings, plain error is standard of review

There were no objections to the USMJ’s findings of consent adopted by the USDJ, so plain error is the standard of review. Considering the credibility determinations, the consent was valid. United States v. Williams, 2015 U.S. App. LEXIS 12465 (8th Cir. July 20, 2015).*

The court finds defendant’s witness on the witness’s consent completely incredible, and there was consent. Alternatively, there were exigent circumstances. United States v. Chaney, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94355 (E.D.Ky. July 21, 2015).*

Defendant consented to a search of the property. United States v. Reilly, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94139 (N.D.Ga. July 17, 2015), R&R 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94642 (N.D.Ga. June 4, 2015).*

The trial court erred in suppressing evidence of defendant’s DUI stop. The officer had at least reasonable suspicion of speeding for the stop, and his observations supported the arrest. State v. Reddington, 2015-Ohio-2890, 2015 Ohio App. LEXIS 2805 (9th Dist. July 20, 2015).*

Posted in Consent, Reasonable suspicion | Comments Off on CA8: Without objection to USMJ’s findings, plain error is standard of review

AZ: Scent of marijuana alone is not probable cause in a medical marijuana state

The scent of marijuana alone is not probable cause in a medical marijuana state. More is required. State v. Sisco, 2015 Ariz. App. LEXIS 119 (July 20, 2015):
Continue reading →

Posted in Probable cause | Comments Off on AZ: Scent of marijuana alone is not probable cause in a medical marijuana state

ABC News: Gun-Firing Drone Subject of Federal Investigation

ABC News: Gun-Firing Drone Subject of Federal Investigation by David Kerkly:

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a video showing a handgun being fired from a drone in Connecticut.

Posted in Drones | Comments Off on ABC News: Gun-Firing Drone Subject of Federal Investigation

S.D.Ala.: No-knock warrant was permissible here because of the expected presence of firearms and defendant used surveillance cameras

A no-knock warrant was permissible here because of the expected presence of firearms and defendant used surveillance cameras on the property. United States v. Miller, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93857 (S.D.Ala. July 20, 2015):

Miller also argues the affidavit did not provide a sufficient basis for a no-knock search warrant. (Doc. 91, p. 5). Miller asserts a “concern for police safety must be based upon prior knowledge or direct observation that the subject of the search keeps weapons and that such person has a known propensity to use them.” (Doc. 91, p. 5). This argument is flawed, and it ignores the other reasons stated in the affidavit for requesting a no-knock search warrant, including the potential destruction of evidence. “In order to justify a ‘no-knock’ entry, the police must have a reasonable suspicion that knocking and announcing their presence, under the particular circumstances, would be dangerous or futile, or that it would inhibit the effective investigation of the crime by, for example, allowing the destruction of evidence.” Richards v. Wisconsin, 520 U.S. 385, 394 (1997); see also United States v. Banks, 540 U.S. 31, 36 (2003) (noting that “[w]hen a warrant applicant gives reasonable grounds to expect futility or to suspect that one or another such exigency already exists or will arise instantly upon knocking, a magistrate judge is acting within the Constitution to authorize a ‘no-knock’ entry”). The showing an officer must make to receive a “no-knock” warrant “is not high.” Richards, 520 U.S. at 394.

Posted in Knock and announce | Comments Off on S.D.Ala.: No-knock warrant was permissible here because of the expected presence of firearms and defendant used surveillance cameras

CA7: Violation of state time limit for sheriff’s eviction didn’t state a Fourth Amendment claim

Plaintiff’s eviction by sheriff’s deputies took more time than state law allowed, and it was delayed, in part, by the presence of a skunk. He abandoned lots of stuff on the property, and it wasn’t possible to get it all out of there in time. The fact state law was violated has no bearing on plaintiff’s Fourth Amendment claim under Virginia v. Moore. DKCLM, Ltd. v. County of Milwaukee, 2015 U.S. App. LEXIS 12502 (7th Cir. July 20, 2015).

The officer here had reasonable suspicion that defendant was a trespasser for being behind a normally closed gate on a church parking lot at 3 am. He claimed that he had permission to sleep in his car there on occasion. Defendant had an assault rifle case in the back seat, and he denied having any gun. The officer patted him down and felt a marijuana pipe. Defendant admitted then he had marijuana on him, too. A further pat down revealed a Derringer, and defendant was arrested. The inventory of the vehicle revealed a revolver, the assault rifle, and drugs. The searches were reasonable. United States v. Swiger, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 92942 (N.D.W.Va. July 17, 2015).*

Posted in § 1983 / Bivens, Reasonable suspicion | Comments Off on CA7: Violation of state time limit for sheriff’s eviction didn’t state a Fourth Amendment claim

The Hill: Capitol Police Search Powers Provoke Constitutional Concerns

The Hill: Capitol Police Search Powers Provoke Constitutional Concerns by Hannah Hess:

The trio of congressional officials who have exclusive control over traffic rules on the Capitol grounds are ordering a change that would enhance Capitol Police’s authority to search backpacks, suitcases and other personal belongings carried onto the 290-acre property.

Under a section of code banning firearms, dangerous weapons and explosive devices, the language approved by the Capitol Police Board on July 15 states: “At the direction of the Chief of Police, the United States Capitol Police may search packages, bags, and other containers in the immediate possession of individuals who enter and are within the United States Capitol Grounds for the purpose of protecting prohibited items.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Hill: Capitol Police Search Powers Provoke Constitutional Concerns

American Thinker: Feds Get the Power to Seize Medical Records on ‘Fishing Expedition’ Investigations with No Subpoena from a Judge

American Thinker: Feds Get the Power to Seize Medical Records on ‘Fishing Expedition’ Investigations with No Subpoena from a Judge by Mark J. Fitzgibbons:
Continue reading →

Posted in Subpoenas / Nat'l Security Letters | Comments Off on American Thinker: Feds Get the Power to Seize Medical Records on ‘Fishing Expedition’ Investigations with No Subpoena from a Judge

NJ: There is a rebuttable presumption that a dropped 9-1-1 call is an emergency, and the presumption applied here on the objective facts

Here, the objective facts supported the conclusion that there was an emergency from a dropped 9-1-1 call. There is a rebuttable presumption that a dropped 9-1-1 call is an emergency, and the presumption applied here. State v. Reece, 2015 N.J. LEXIS 800 (July 20, 2015):
Continue reading →

Posted in Emergency / exigency | Comments Off on NJ: There is a rebuttable presumption that a dropped 9-1-1 call is an emergency, and the presumption applied here on the objective facts

D.S.D.: Standing here was established by other witnesses without def even testifying; USMJ erred in denying full hearing

The USMJ found no standing, but defendant did not need to testify to establish standing. Here, there was evidence in the record that others said the duffle bag was defendant’s and his papers were found inside it. That should be enough for standing, and remanded to the USMJ for further evidence. United States v. Trejo, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 92719 (D.S.D. July 15, 2015), rejecting 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93432 (D.S.D. May 4, 2015):
Continue reading →

Posted in Burden of proof, Standing | Comments Off on D.S.D.: Standing here was established by other witnesses without def even testifying; USMJ erred in denying full hearing

CA5: Air fresheners and odd responses to basic questions were enough for reasonable suspicion

Air fresheners and odd responses to basic questions were reasonable suspicion, and the court declines to get into analysis of the other factors. The initial stop was for going 2 mph over the limit. United States v. Peña-Gonzalez, 2015 U.S. App. LEXIS 12404 (5th Cir. July 16, 2015):
Continue reading →

Posted in Reasonable suspicion | Comments Off on CA5: Air fresheners and odd responses to basic questions were enough for reasonable suspicion