The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Normandeau, 800 F.2d 953 (9th Cir. 1986):
5 The propriety of a warrantless automobile search is a mixed question of law and fact that we review de novo. United States v. McConney, 728 F.2d 1195, 1202-04 (9th Cir.) (en banc), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 824, 105 S.Ct. 101, 83 L.Ed.2d 46 (1984). Thus, we are free to conclude independently that probable cause to search the vehicle existed and that the motion to suppress was properly denied.
6 18 U.S.C. Sec. 545 states, in pertinent part:
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