California v. Carney case brief

California v. Carney case brief summary
471 U.S. 386 (1985)

CASE SYNOPSIS

The State challenged a ruling of the Supreme Court of California that a warrantless search of defendant's motor home was unreasonable because the vehicle exception to the warrant requirement did not apply as expectations of privacy in a motor home were more like those for a home than an automobile.

CASE FACTS

• After receiving information that the exchange of marijuana for sex was taking place at defendant's motor home, which was parked on a public lot, law enforcement officials observed defendant and a youth enter the mobile home. 
• The youth later stated that he received marijuana in exchange for sexual contacts with defendant. 
• Without a warrant or consent, one agent entered the motor home and observed marijuana.
• Defendant was convicted for possession of marijuana for sale. 
• Ultimately, the state supreme court reversed, holding that the warrantless search of the motor home was unreasonable as the vehicle exception to the warrant requirement did not apply. 

DISCUSSION

• On certiorari, the United States Supreme Court reversed, holding that defendant's motor home clearly fell within the vehicle exception to the warrant requirement because it was readily mobile and was situated in a way or place that objectively indicated that it was being used as a vehicle.

CONCLUSION

The Court reversed the judgment and remanded for further proceedings, holding that while defendant's motor home possessed some attributes of a home, it clearly fell within the vehicle exception to the warrant requirement because it was readily mobile and was situated in a way or place that objectively indicated that it was being used as a vehicle.

Recommended Supplements for Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure: Examples & Explanations, Sixth Edition
Emanuel Law Outline: Criminal Procedure