Legal Document

458 U.S. 259 102 Supreme Court Reporter 3079 73 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 750 MICHIGANv.Lamont Charles THOMAS. Number 81-593. June 28, 1982. PER CURIAM. 1 While respondent was the front-seat passenger in an automobile, car stopped for failing to signal a left turn. As two police officers approached vehicle, they saw bend forward so that his head at or below level of dashboard. The then observed open bottle malt liquor standing upright on floorboard between respondent's feet, and placed under arrest possession intoxicants motor vehicle. 14-year-old driver issued citation not having driver's license. Respondent claimed ownership car. 2 were taken patrol car, truck called tow automobile. One searched pursuant departmental policy impounded vehicles be prior being towed. officer found bags marihuana unlocked glove compartment. second more thoroughly, checking front seat, dashboard, inside locked trunk. Opening air vents discovered loaded, .38-caliber revolver inside. 3 convicted concealed weapon. He moved new trial, contending from illegal search seizure; trial court denied motion. 4 Michigan Appeals reversed, holding warrantless automobile violated Fourth Amendment. 106 Mich.App. 601, 308 North Western Reporter, 2nd 170 (1981). acknowledged South Dakota versus Opperman, 428 364, 96 3092, 49 1000 (1976), this upheld validity inventory searches vehicles. Moreover, that, since had been other occupant too young legally drive, it proper impound vehicle conduct its However, view Appeals, conducted case "unreasonable scope," because extended which, unlike compartment trunk, likely place storage valuables personal possessions. Mich.App., 606, N.W.2d, 172. 5 also rejected State's contention scope properly expanded when contraband concluded both occupants already custody, there no "exigent circumstances" justifying contraband.1 6 We reverse. In Chambers Maroney, 399 42, 90 1975, 26 419 (1970), we held have probable cause believe is has road, may even after custody. firmly reiterated Texas White, 423 67, 304, 46 209 (1975). See Ross, 456 798, 807, n.9, 2157, 2163, 72 572 (1982). It thus clear justification such does vanish once immobilized; nor depend upon reviewing court's assessment likelihood each particular would driven away, contents tampered with, during period required obtain warrant.2 ibid. 7 Here, recognized justified conducting car's compartment, which led discovery contraband. Without attempting refute gave elsewhere absence precluded search. This plainly inconsistent with our decisions White. 8 petition certiorari motion proceed forma pauperis are granted, judgment remanded further proceedings opinion. 9 ordered. 10 Justice BRENNAN MARSHALL grant writ set oral argument. did directly address provided hidden apparently assumed possessed information sufficient support issuance warrant automobile; warrant, could basis alone. 606-608, 172-173. Even some demonstrable "exigency" necessary predicate search, find somewhat curious Appeals' conclusion present case. Unlike involved (1975) station house—the issue here roadside, before pointed out by Judge Deneweth, dissent, "there possibility unknown confederates who return remove secreted contraband." 609, 174.

Classification Label: 0