Opinion ID: 2490
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Pre-Deprivation Due Process

Text: We disagree with Spinelli's contention that she was entitled to pre-deprivation due process. [A]lthough notice and a pre[-] deprivation hearing are generally required, in certain circumstances, the lack of such pre[-]deprivation process will not offend the constitutional guarantee of due process, provided there is sufficient post[-]deprivation process. Catanzaro v. Weiden, 188 F.3d 56, 61 (2d Cir.1999). [N]ecessity of quick action by the State or the impracticality of providing any meaningful pre[-]deprivation process, when coupled with the availability of some meaningful means by which to assess the propriety of the State's action at some time after the initial taking, can satisfy the requirements of procedural due process. Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Here, exigent circumstances necessitating very prompt action on the part of the City were sufficient to justify the City's failure to provide Spinelli with pre-deprivation notice or a hearing. United States v. All Assets of Statewide Auto Parts, Inc., 971 F.2d 896, 903 (2d Cir.1992) (citing Fuentes, 407 U.S. at 91-92, 92 S.Ct. 1983). The City and the public have a strong interest in ensuring the security of gun shops, which was heightened further in the days immediately following the September 11th terrorist attacks, when the dimensions of the terrorist threat were unknown. Additionally, the search and the suspension were taken pursuant to the City's regulatory authority; the search was conducted pursuant to 38 RCNY § 4-06(a)(3), and the suspension was authorized by 38 RCNY § 1-04(f). See All Assets, 971 F.2d at 903. The record demonstrates that the City had sufficient cause to take prompt action to address the security infractions at Olinville observed by Officer McSherry. Spinelli, while downplaying these infractions, has never disputed them, and indeed, took strong measures to remedy them. Were we to conclude that prompt action was not required, we would tie the hands of police faced with obvious security lapses at gun stores until a hearing could be held, and thereby substantially undermine the state interest in public safety. Mackey v. Montrym, 443 U.S. 1, 18, 99 S.Ct. 2612, 61 L.Ed.2d 321 (1979). Under the circumstances presented to the police on October 8, the City was not required to provide Spinelli with pre-deprivation due process before suspending her license and seizing her firearms. However, our inquiry does not end there.