Supreme Court of the United States
Michigan v. Thomas
June 28, 1982458 U.S. 259
Summary
The Supreme Court reversed the Michigan Court of Appeals, holding that a warrantless search of an impounded automobile is valid when police have probable cause to believe contraband is present, even absent exigent circumstances, and that the scope of such an inventory search may include areas such as the air vents. The Court relied on its prior decisions in Chambers v. Maroney, Texas v. White, and United States v. Ross to reach this conclusion.
Holding
- Whether a warrantless inventory search of an impounded automobile that includes areas such as the air vents violates the Fourth Amendment. A warrantless inventory search of an impounded automobile is permissible when police have probable cause to believe contraband is present, and the scope may include areas such as the air vents.
- Whether the discovery of contraband in the glove compartment gives police probable cause to search other compartments without a warrant. The discovery of marijuana in the glove compartment supplied probable cause to believe additional contraband existed, justifying a broader warrantless search of the vehicle.
- Whether the absence of exigent circumstances bars a warrantless search of a vehicle that has been impounded and its occupants are in custody. The lack of exigent circumstances does not preclude a warrantless search when police have probable cause.
Docket 81-593
Cited by
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