Supreme Court of Maryland

State of Maryland v. Charles Terrence Collins

February 7, 2002367 Md. 700

Summary

The Court of Appeals of Maryland affirmed the Court of Special Appeals’ determination that two bail‑bond agents who entered an apartment to locate a defaulting principal were state actors for Fourth Amendment purposes because a police officer’s participation went beyond mere standby. Accordingly, the evidence obtained from that entry must be subject to a Fourth Amendment suppression analysis on remand.

Holding

  • Whether bail‑bond agents who entered an apartment, accompanied by a police officer, are state actors for Fourth Amendment purposes.. Yes. The participation of Officer Hook beyond mere presence transformed the agents’ conduct into state action subject to Fourth Amendment scrutiny.

Docket 59, Sept. Term, 2001

Cited authorities

  • 42 U.S.C. section 1983

Cited by

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