State v. Wright
Iowa Supreme Court
961 N.W.2d 396 (2021)
- Written by Sean Carroll, JD
Facts
Officer Brandon Heinz was investigating drug sales. Heinz was tipped off that Nicholas Wright (defendant) might be the drug dealer. Heinz searched through opaque trash bags that Wright had left outside his home for collection. Heinz did not have probable cause or a warrant to search the bags. Based on evidence that Heinz found in the bags, Heinz obtained a search warrant, which yielded further evidence that led to Wright being charged with a crime. Wright defended himself on the grounds that Heinz’s search of his trash was an unreasonable search and seizure in violation of Article I, Section 8 of the Iowa Constitution. This provision protected people from unreasonable search and seizure, similar to the protections of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Wright was convicted, and he appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (McDonald, J.)
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