Montana Supreme Court

State v. Flores-Reyes

March 17, 20262026 MT 56

Summary

The Montana Supreme Court reversed the district court’s denial of a motion to suppress, holding that the warrantless opening of a closed zippered pouch in a concealed vehicle compartment was an unconstitutional search, requiring suppression of the pouch’s contents and all derivative evidence. The Court based its decision on the limits of third‑party consent and the lack of probable cause, and remanded for further proceedings.