Knowles v. Iowa
United States Supreme Court
525 U.S. 113 (1998)
Relevant factsFree
An Iowa police officer stopped Knowles (defendant) for speeding, issued him a citation, and then searched his car without probable cause, a warrant, or his consent. The search turned up drugs and drug paraphernalia, leading to Knowles's arrest. Knowles moved to suppress the evidence, and the Supreme Court granted certiorari to decide whether the search-incident-to-arrest exception extends to the mere issuance of a citation.
IssueFree
Whether the search-incident-to-arrest exception to the Fourth Amendment authorizes a full search of a car, without probable cause or a warrant, after the issuance of a citation rather than an arrest.