United States v. Morris

The Eighth Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of defendant's motion to suppress evidence after she conditionally pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The court held that the district court did not err in finding that the CCSO had an impoundment and inventory policy; the district court did not err in finding that the officer's decision to use his discretion to impound the vehicle was legitimate and reasonable; the district court also did not err in finding the deputies followed the inventory policy without impermissible, unfettered discretion; because the policy required an inventory of the entire vehicle it was reasonable for the officers to open containers believed to have items valued at more than $25; the decision to terminate the inventory also complied with policy; and the officers' suspicion that defendant was engaged in criminal activity did not establish that the sole purpose of the search was investigative. View "United States v. Morris" on Justia Law