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Sixth Circuit Suppresses Evidence

Sixth Circuit Suppresses Evidence

Police noticed a man passed out at the wheel of his stopped but still running car. The officer immediately opened the car door and, after a brief scuffle, arrested the defendant and searched his car.  Drugs and a firearm were discovered and the driver received a 204 month sentence for drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.

The search was approved at the trial court level based on the community - care taking doctrine.  The Sixth Circuit reversed holding that there was no emergency justifying a warrantless entry into the car without first, at least, shining a flashlight into the vehicle or otherwise trying to arouse the driver.

The U.S. v. Morgan decision was handed down in June of this year. (Case No. 22-1445). 

Defendants should always hire experienced and aggressive federal criminal lawyers who are current on the law and able to be strong advocates for their clients.

 

 

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