Officers lawfully arrested the occupants of an auto and, after impounding it, began an inventory of the contents of the vehicle. One officer picked up a jacket on the front seat where an occupant had been sitting and noticed on the seat a burned cigarette which appeared to the officer to be marijuana. How are the courts most likely to view the officer's action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officer's action can be considered a plain view seizure during an inventory, which is a justifiable search according to the Supreme Court. This allows officers to protect themselves from false claims of theft or damage, as well as to protect the public by discovering illegal items.

Officers Lawfully Arrested the Occupants of an Auto And, After