Opinion ID: 2533404
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Trial and Postconviction Motions

Text: ¶ 10 Based on the evidence obtained from the search, Winterstein was charged with unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine. At some point during trial proceedings, it came to light that Winterstein had changed his address to 646 1/2 Englert Road using the kiosk in the DOC office, though there was a dispute about when the address change occurred. During discovery, the defense received a report from Rongen stating DOC records indicated that Winterstein did not change his address until the day of the search. Based on this information, Winterstein's counsel did not pursue a motion to suppress the evidence gathered as a result of Rongen's search. ¶ 11 After the close of evidence at trial and during a routine examination of the trial exhibits to be submitted to the jury, Winterstein's counsel discovered a DOC billing statement addressed to Winterstein at 646 1/2 Englert Road. The statement was dated January 13, 2003, three weeks before the search. This document had not been turned over to the defense during discovery. ¶ 12 Winterstein was convicted on December 23, 2004. Winterstein moved for relief from judgment under CrR 7.8 based on newly discovered evidence, the misrepresentation of an adverse party, and a violation of his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Winterstein also moved for a new trial under CrR 7.5 based on trial errors not at issue on appeal. Because the newly discovered evidence related to a suppression issue, all parties agreed that a suppression hearing was appropriate. Further, the State conceded that if Winterstein prevailed at the suppression hearing, then the court should grant him a new trial. ¶ 13 Following a suppression hearing that began at 4:15 p.m. and ran until 8:30 p.m., the trial court refused to suppress the evidence seized as a result of Rongen's warrantless search. The court found that Winterstein had properly effected his address change and that the DOC had notice of the change at least by January 13, 2003. However, the court also found that the address change to 646 1/2 Englert Road was a ruse and that Winterstein actually lived at 646 Englert Road. Concluding that Rongen acted in good faith in performing the search at the defendant's actual address, the court upheld the validity of the search.