Opinion ID: 1758171
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The basement

Text: It is the defense position that the search warrant did not describe the basement of Miller's apartment and therefore the search and seizure of that area was without a warrant. As a warrantless search, it is contended, the search and seizure were unreasonable and in violation of the proscriptions contained in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 5 of Article I of the Louisiana Constitution. The basement where the drugs were found is located directly under Miller's apartment, and Miller testified that he had access to and used the basement in connection with his occupancy of the apartment. The basement was accessible through a door located inside Miller's apartment and through a door beneath the steps outside. It was through this latter door that the officers gained access to the basement. Under these facts it is evident that the basement was an adjunct and accessory of the apartment and annexed to it. As such it was an appurtenance of the apartment as described in the search warrant. Definition of appurtenance in Webster and Black dictionaries will verify this conclusion. In deciding State v. Roach, 322 So.2d 222 (La.1975), this Court unanimously held: In any event, a search warrant authorizing the search of the `premises' at a stated address must reasonably be interpreted to permit a search of the dwelling house proper, the garage, and any other outbuildings within close proximity of the house proper that one normally associates with and includes within the word `house' or `premises'. 322 So.2d 226 Thus the search warrant properly designated the place to be searched and a search of the basement was authorized when appurtenances to the apartment were authorized to be searched by the warrant. La. Code Crim.Pro. art. 162.