Case 6-2
Officer Martinez pulls over Heather for speeding. As he is getting out of his vehicle, he hears over the radio that a stabbing just occurred a few blocks away. The suspect in the stabbing was described as a young female with red hair. As Officer Martinez approaches the car, he notices the female that is driving the car has red hair. He also notices that there is a bloody knife in the back seat of the vehicle. Officer Martinez immediately calls for backup and orders Heather out of the vehicle.
-Officer Martinez places Heather in handcuffs and has her sit in the back seat of his police car. While Heather is being watched by the backup officer, Officer Martinez goes into the back seat of Heather's car and seizes the bloody knife and places it into an evidence bag. Which exception allows Officer Martinez to legally seize the bloody knife?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "plain view" doctrine allows officers to seize evidence without a warrant if it is clearly visible. Since the bloody knife was in plain view in the back seat, Officer Martinez can legally seize it under this exception.

Case 6-2 Officer Martinez Pulls Over Heather for Speeding. as He Is