Opinion ID: 2637001
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: probable cause to support search warrant

Text: It is well-established that police can not use information obtained solely by unconstitutional means to supply probable cause to support a search warrant. Bartley v. People, 817 P.2d 1029, 1033 (Colo.1991). Therefore, we must determine whether the legally obtained information in the affidavit is sufficient, independent of the so-called blood evidence, to establish probable cause. Id. (Where an affidavit includes illegally obtained evidence as well as evidence derived from independent and lawful sources, a valid search warrant may issue if the lawfully obtained evidence, considered by itself, establishes probable cause to issue the warrant.) We note that a magistrate's probable cause determination is typically given great deference and is not reviewed de novo. People v. Gall, 30 P.3d 145, 150 (Colo. 2001); People v. Pate, 878 P.2d 685, 690 (Colo.1994). Rather, the usual question for a reviewing court is whether the issuing magistrate had a substantial basis for issuing the search warrant and not whether the reviewing court would have found probable cause in the first instance. Gall, 30 P.3d at 150. In the usual case, doubts must be resolved in favor of a magistrate's determination of probable cause because such deference supports the preference for police to seek a judicial determination of probable cause, rather than resorting to warrantless searches in the hope of relying on consent or another exception to the warrant requirement that might develop at the time of the search. Gall, 30 P.3d at 150; Pate, 878 P.2d at 690. However, review of a redacted affidavit presents a different situation. As noted, in the typical case, police present an affidavit to a magistrate who makes a probable cause determination based on the facts averred in the affidavit. In the case of a redacted affidavit, in contrast, the magistrate never had the opportunity in the first place to consider the exact mix of facts remaining and now before the court. Accordingly, we hold that de novo review is the proper standard for an appellate court to apply to determine whether a redacted affidavit is sufficient to establish probable cause. See Feigin v. Digital Interactive Assocs., 987 P.2d 876, 880 (Colo.App.1999) ([R]eview of the determination by a trial court that an affidavit establishes probable cause after erroneous information is redacted, or it is supplemented with exculpatory information, pursuant to Franks v. Delaware, 438 U.S. 154, 98 S.Ct. 2674, 57 L.Ed.2d 667 (1978), is de novo.); see also, e.g., United States v. Blount, 98 F.3d 1489, 1495 (5th Cir.1996), reh'g granted, rev'd in part on other grounds, United States v. Blount, 123 F.3d 831 (5th Cir.1997) (en banc) (In cases involving the use in a warrant affidavit of unconstitutionally obtained information, we first consider the propriety of the antecedent searches and seizures, excise from the warrant affidavit any tainted information, and then review that remaining de novo to determine the existence vel non of probable cause for issuance of the warrant.); cf. United States v. Elliott, 893 F.2d 220, 222 (9th Cir.1990) (In most instances a magistrate's finding of probable cause will not be overturned unless clearly erroneous; however, when an affidavit must be redacted because it was supported by false statements, the magistrate's discretion was vitiated by fraud and the question turns on the legal effect of the correct facts, warranting de novo review.); State v. Buccini, 167 Ariz. 550, 810 P.2d 178, 183-84 (1991) (same). But cf. United States v. Grandstaff, 813 F.2d 1353, 1355 (9th Cir.1987) (Because the affidavit presented to the magistrate contained such [illegally obtained] information the question becomes whether the affidavit, purged of the illegally obtained information, still affords the magistrate a substantial basis for concluding that a search would uncover evidence of wrongdoing.) The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and article II, section 7 of the Colorado Constitution prohibit the issuance of a search warrant without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation particularly describing the place to be searched or the things to be seized. U.S. Const. amend. IV; Colo. Const., art. II, § 7. Probable cause exists when an affidavit for a search warrant alleges sufficient facts to warrant a person of reasonable caution to believe that contraband or evidence of criminal activity is located at the place to be searched. People v. Quintana, 785 P.2d 934, 937 (Colo.1990). The affidavit must supply a sufficient nexus between criminal activity, the things to be seized, and the place to be searched. People v. Kazmierski, 25 P.3d 1207, 1211 (Colo.2001). However, the link between suspected criminal activity and a specific location to be searched may be established by circumstantial evidence and proper inferences drawn therefrom. People v. Hakel, 870 P.2d 1224, 1229 (Colo.1994). A reviewing court must make its determination of probable cause on the basis of information contained within the four corners of the affidavit. People v. Randolph, 4 P.3d 477, 481 (Colo.2000). In examining whether probable cause supported a warrant, an affidavit must be interpreted in a common sense and realistic fashion. Bartley, 817 P.2d at 1033. Given the importance of obtaining a search warrant, a search under a warrant may be sustained where one without it may fail. Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213, 237, 103 S.Ct. 2317, 76 L.Ed.2d 527 (1983) ([A]lthough in a particular case it may not be easy to determine when an affidavit demonstrates the existence of probable cause, the resolution of doubtful or marginal cases in this area should be largely determined by the preference to be accorded to warrants.); United States v. Ventresca, 380 U.S. 102, 106, 85 S.Ct. 741, 13 L.Ed.2d 684 (1965) (strongly supporting the preference to be accorded searches under a warrant, and recognizing that in doubtful or marginal cases a search under a warrant may be sustainable where without one it would fall). Furthermore, even though the facts alleged in an affidavit may be consistent with an innocent explanation, [a] combination of otherwise lawful circumstances may well lead to a legitimate inference of criminal activity. People v. Altman, 960 P.2d 1164, 1171 (Colo.1998); see also Gates, 462 U.S. at 243 n. 13, 103 S.Ct. 2317 ([I]nnocent behavior frequently will provide the basis for a showing of probable cause; to require otherwise would be to sub silentio impose a drastically more rigorous definition of probable cause than the security of our citizens' demands.)