Steagald v. United States

451 U.S. 204 (1981)

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Steagald v. United States

United States Supreme Court
451 U.S. 204 (1981)

SC
Steagald v. United States

Facts

Law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for Ricky Lyons. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) received a confidential tip that Lyons would be at a particular address, which was the home of Gary Steagald (defendant). When DEA agents arrived at the address, they encountered two men, including Steagald, outside. Upon determining that neither man was Lyons, the agents went into Steagald’s home to search for Lyons. During their search, the agents found what they believed to be cocaine. Later, they obtained a search warrant and found 43 pounds of cocaine in the home. Steagald was convicted of drug crimes related to the cocaine. Steagald appealed, arguing that the initial search of his home was warrantless and unreasonable. The court of appeals affirmed the conviction. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Marshall, J.)

Dissent (Rehnquist, J.)

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