What is the test for a defendant to challenge a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Bryant, S049596 (Cal. 2014):

In order to challenge a search or seizure, a defendant must allege not only that the police action was unreasonable, but also that the defendant's personal interests were violated. "The 'capacity to claim the protection of the Fourth Amendment depends . . . upon whether the person . . . has a legitimate expectation of privacy in the invaded place.' (Rakas v. Illinois (1978) 439 U.S. 128, 143.) A defendant has the burden to establish a legitimate expectation of privacy in the place searched. [Citations.]" (People v. Rivera (2007) 41 Cal.4th 304, 308, fn. 1.)

In considering this question, courts look to the totality of the circumstances. Appropriate factors include " ' " 'whether the defendant has a [property or] possessory interest in the thing seized or the place searched; whether he has the right to exclude others from that place; whether he has exhibited a subjective expectation that it would remain free from governmental invasion, whether he took normal precautions to maintain his privacy and whether he was legitimately on the premises.' " ' [Citation.]" (People v. Roybal (1998) 19 Cal.4th 481, 507.) Essentially, a legitimate expectation of privacy is one "society is prepared to recognize as reasonable." (Minnesota v. Olson (1990) 495 U.S. 91, 97.)

Other Questions


What is the test for a defendant to challenge a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment? (California, United States of America)
Does a Fourth Amendment balancing of the legitimate governmental interests in arrest against the reasonable expectation of privacy under the Fourth Amendment reveal the unreasonableness of a defendant's arrest and search? (California, United States of America)
In reviewing a suppression ruling in a search and seizure case, what is the test for determining whether a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment satisfied? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant waive his Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures as a condition of probation? (California, United States of America)
What constitutes a "seizure" under the Fourth Amendment for Fourth Amendment purposes? (California, United States of America)
Does the search and detention of a man under the Fourth Amendment violate his Fourth Amendment rights? (California, United States of America)
Is a search of two suitcases a seizure under the Fourth Amendment? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for probable cause under the Fourth Amendment and what are the exceptions to search and seizure? (California, United States of America)
What is the test under the Fourth Amendment of search and seizure? (California, United States of America)
What are the implications of the Fourth Amendment when it comes to the search and seizure of electronic communications? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.