New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York v. Kenneth Padilla
June 6, 201321 N.Y.3d 268
Summary
The Court held that the People satisfied their burden of demonstrating a valid inventory search of the defendant's vehicle, and therefore affirmed the Appellate Division's order. The inventory search was deemed proper despite the officer's inspection of panels and removal of equipment, and the incidental discovery of a firearm was upheld. The Court reiterated that inventory searches must follow established procedures and not be a pretext for general rummaging.