Opinion ID: 2003427
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Warrantless Search of Bryant's Home

Text: This case presents another novel issue unrelated to the CSET and double jeopardy. Bryant contends the trial court committed reversible error when it admitted evidence obtained in the police search of his home, saying it was illegally obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. [21] The State contends that exigent circumstances justified the warrantless search because officers reasonably believed a person inside Bryant's home may have been in need of aid and because the deputies possessed probable cause to believe a burglary was in progress. The Fourth Amendment provides each person the right to be secure in his or her person, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures. U.S. CONST. AMEND. 4.; IND. CONST. art. I, § 11. Generally, a search or seizure may only be conducted pursuant to a lawful warrant. Arkansas v. Sanders, 442 U.S. 753, 99 S.Ct. 2586, 61 L.Ed.2d 235 (1979); Taylor v. State (1992), Ind., 587 N.E.2d 1293. The cardinal principle in search and seizure jurisprudence therefore is that searches conducted outside the judicial process, without prior approval by judge or magistrate, are per se unreasonable ...subject only to a few specifically established and well-delineated exceptions. Fair v. State (1993), Ind., 627 N.E.2d 427, 430 (quoting Mincey v. Arizona, 437 U.S. 385, 390, 98 S.Ct. 2408, 2412, 57 L.Ed.2d 290 (1978)). Exigent circumstances compelling quick action before a warrant can be obtained are recognized as such an exception. Michigan v. Tyler, 436 U.S. 499, 98 S.Ct. 1942, 56 L.Ed.2d 486 (1978) (building on fire). The State bears the burden of proving the existence of exigent circumstances sufficient to justify the lack of formalities. Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 91 S.Ct. 2022, 29 L.Ed.2d 564 (1971). The State initially argues that its warrantless search was justified because a person inside Bryant's home may have been in need of aid. The U.S. Supreme Court and this Court have recognized a limited exception to the warrant requirement where an officer reasonably believes such circumstances exist. Warden, Maryland Penitentiary v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 87 S.Ct. 1642, 18 L.Ed.2d 782 (1967); Tata v. State (1986), Ind., 486 N.E.2d 1025. In cases employing this exception, however, police possessed objective evidence that a violent crime had or was about to occur. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 87 S.Ct. 1642; Tata, 486 N.E.2d at 1028. There was no such evidence in this case. Officers did not find any evidence outside the home and did not hear any sound from the home which could reasonably lead them to conclude a person inside was in need of aid. [22] The warrantless search of Bryant's home cannot be justified on these grounds. Until today, this Court had not considered the State's second argument: that police may enter a home when they reasonably believe a burglary may be in progress or has recently been committed. Numerous state and federal courts, however, agree that these are exigent circumstances excusing warrantless entry. See, e.g., Reardon v. Wroan, 811 F.2d 1025 (7th Cir.1987); State ex rel. Zander v. District Court, 180 Mont. 548, 591 P.2d 656 (1979) (warrantless entry necessary to protect property and determine whether suspect was hiding inside where police believed burglary was in progress); United States v. Salava, 978 F.2d 320 (7th Cir.1992). Our own Court of Appeals has also recognized this exception. B.P.O.E. # 576, Elks Club v. State (1980), Ind.App., 413 N.E.2d 660. These courts and other authorities generally agree that such an entry and search does not offend the Fourth Amendment because the emergency circumstances surrounding a potential burglary justify the action. See 2 Wayne R. LaFave, Search and Seizure: A Treatise on the Fourth Amendment, § 6.6(b), at 706-707 (2d ed. 1987). We agree that police may enter private property to protect that property when they reasonably believe the premises have recently been or are being burglarized. Of course, any search conducted because police reasonably believe a burglary is in progress or has just occurred is limited to areas in which an intruder could reasonably conceal himself. Officers may not use the situation as an excuse to conduct a general search for evidence. State v. Crabtree, 655 S.W.2d 173 (Tenn.Crim.App.1983). A search beyond the exigencies presented would violate the Fourth Amendment. In Bryant's case, Grant County Sheriff's deputies entered the home after receiving an emergency call from a neighbor who reported that a home alarm was sounding. When deputies arrived at the scene, they observed fresh pry marks on an open door. They entered the house and conducted a protective sweep of the residence. The totality of these circumstances reveals that exigent circumstances justified the search. The sounding alarm, fresh pry marks and open door led police to a reasonable belief that a burglary was in progress or had recently occurred. The officers searched no more area than was reasonably necessary, but still discovered hundreds of marijuana plants in plain view. Admission of evidence found during the search was therefore not error.