plain view doctrine (Rhode Island) · Go Syfert
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plain view doctrine in Rhode Island

16 Rhode Island opinions name it 2 courts 1974–2010 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Rhode Island courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (14)

CaseFollowedCited
Coolidge v. New Hampshiregreen
scotus · 1971 · cited in 6 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1974–1994
2 sentences

1993The gun should be admitted into evidence under the plain-view doctrine as outlined in Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443 , 91 S.Ct. 2022 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564 (1971).

1993The gun should be admitted into evidence under the plain-view doctrine as outlined in Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443 , 91 S.Ct. 2022 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564 (1971).

56
State v. Eisemangreen
ri · 1983 · cited in 5 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1984–1994
2 sentences

1984“The plain-view doctrine validates the warrantless seizure of evidence.” State v. Eiseman, R.I., 461 A.2d at 380 (citing Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 464-66 , 91 S.Ct. 2022, 2037-38 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564, 581-83 (1971)).

1984"The plain-view doctrine validates the warrantless seizure of evidence." State v. Eiseman, R.I., 461 A.2d at 380 (citing Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 464-66 , 91 S.Ct. 2022, 2037-38 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564, 581-83 (1971)).

25
State v. Collinsgreen
ri · 1988 · cited in 2 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1989–1995
2 sentences

1995As to the plain-view doctrine, we said in State v. Wright, 558 A.2d 946 (R.I.1989), that a police officer “may seize evidence in plain view when ‘(1) the officer was lawfully in the position that allowed him to see the evidence, (2) the officer discovered the evidence inadvertently, and (3) it was immediately apparent to the officer that the object was evidence of criminality.’ ” Id. at 950 (quoting State v. Collins, 543 A.2d 641, 652 (R.I.1988)).

1989A law enforcement official may seize evidence in plain view when “(1) the officer was lawfully in the position that allowed him to see the evidence, (2) the officer discovered the evidence inadvertently, and (3) it was immediately apparent to the officer that the object was evidence of criminality.” State v. Collins, 543 A.2d 641, 652 (R.I.1988) (quoting State v. Eiseman, 461 A.2d 369, 379 (R.I.1983)).

22
State v. Prattgreen
ri · 1994 · cited in 3 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1998–2004
2 sentences

2003“The plain-view doctrine allows seizure of evidence that is openly on display when an officer, who is lawfully in a position to see the evidence and to have lawful access to it, immediately recognizes that the object is evidence of criminality.” State v. Pratt, 641 A.2d 732, 738 (R.I.1994).

1998"The plain view doctrine allows seizure of evidence that is openly on display when an officer who is lawfully in position to see the evidence and to have lawful access to it, immediately recognizes that the object is evidence of criminality." State v. Pratt , 641 A.2d 732 , 738 (R.I. 1994).

13
Texas v. Browngreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 2 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1994–2004
2 sentences

2004Pratt, 641 A.2d at 738 (citing Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 136-37 , 110 S.Ct. 2301 , 110 L.Ed.2d 112 (1990)). 7 In a plain-view seizure case, probable cause “merely requires that the facts available to the officer would ‘warrant a man of reasonable caution in the belief * * * that certain items may be * * * useful as evidence of a crime.” Pratt, 641 A.2d at 738 (quoting Texas v. Brown, 460 U.S. 730, 742 , 103 S.Ct. 1535 , 75 L.Ed.2d 502 (1983)).

1994The Court, in Brown , delineated that this prong of the plain-view doctrine can be satisfied whenever “ ‘there is probable cause to associate the property [in plain view] with criminal activity.’” Id. at 741-42, 103 S.Ct. at 1543, 75 L.Ed.2d at 513 .

12
Horton v. Californiagreen
scotus · 1990 · cited in 2 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1994–2004
2 sentences

1994The plain-view doctrine allows seizure of evidence that is openly on display when an officer, who is lawfully in a position to see the evidence and to have lawful access to it, immediately recognizes that the object is evidence of criminality. 2 Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 136-37 , 110 S.Ct. 2301, 2308 , 110 L.Ed.2d 112, 123 (1990).

1994The plain-view doctrine allows seizure of evidence that is openly on display when an officer, who is lawfully in a position to see the evidence and to have lawful access to it, immediately recognizes that the object is evidence of criminality. 2 Horton v. California, 496 U.S. 128, 136-37 , 110 S.Ct. 2301, 2308 , 110 L.Ed.2d 112, 123 (1990).

12
State v. Apalakisgreen
ri · 2002 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
1 sentence

2010Before this Court at oral argument, defendant did not challenge the trial justice’s ruling that exigent circumstances justified the initial warrantless entry and protective sweep of Ms. Alvarez’s apartment. 1 Standard of Review “In reviewing the trial justice’s denial of defendant’s motion to suppress the incriminating * * * evidence, we defer to the factual findings of the trial justice, applying a ‘clearly erroneous’ standard.” State v. Apalakis, 797 A.2d 440, 443 (R.I.2002) (quoting State v. Page, 709 A.2d 1042, 1044 (R.I.1998)).

11
State v. Portesgreen
ri · 2004 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
1 sentence

2010See State v. Portes, 840 A.2d 1131, 1138 (R.I.2004) (explaining that “a police officer may seize evidence in plain view when he is lawfully in a position that allows him to see the evidence and it is immediately apparent to the officer that the object is evidence of criminality”). 14 .

11
State v. Pagegreen
ri · 1998 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
1 sentence

2010Before this Court at oral argument, defendant did not challenge the trial justice’s ruling that exigent circumstances justified the initial warrantless entry and protective sweep of Ms. Alvarez’s apartment. 1 Standard of Review “In reviewing the trial justice’s denial of defendant’s motion to suppress the incriminating * * * evidence, we defer to the factual findings of the trial justice, applying a ‘clearly erroneous’ standard.” State v. Apalakis, 797 A.2d 440, 443 (R.I.2002) (quoting State v. Page, 709 A.2d 1042, 1044 (R.I.1998)).

11
Warden, Maryland Penitentiary v. Haydengreen
scotus · 1967 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007Joseph, 114 R.I. at 604 , 337 A.2d at 528 ; see also Warden v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 307 , 87 S.Ct. 1642 , 18 L.Ed.2d 782 (1967) (holding that items of clothing found in a house searched by the police without a warrant were properly seized where they matched the description of the clothing worn by the culprit and where the police could reasonably have *576 believed that the items seized would aid in the identification of the criminal).

2007Joseph, 114 R.I. at 604 , 337 A.2d at 528 ; see also Warden v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 307 , 87 S.Ct. 1642 , 18 L.Ed.2d 782 (1967) (holding that items of clothing found in a house searched by the police without a warrant were properly seized where they matched the description of the clothing worn by the culprit and where the police could reasonably have *576 believed that the items seized would aid in the identification of the criminal).

11
State v. Cobbgreen
ri · 1985 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994Accord Brown, 460 U.S. at 737 , 103 S.Ct. at 1540-41, 75 L.Ed.2d at 510 ; Coolidge, 403 U.S. at 464-73 , 91 S.Ct. at 2037-42 , 29 L.Ed.2d at 581-87 ; State v. Cobb, 494 A.2d 1182, 1184-85 (R.I. 1985); State v. Eiseman, 461 A.2d 369, 379 (R.I.1983).

1994Accord Cobb, 494 A.2d at 1185 .

11
United States v. Alexander Robert Holzman, United States of America v. James Walshgreen
ca9 · 1989 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
1 sentence

1994United States v. Holzman, 871 F.2d 1496, 1512-13 (9th Cir.1989).

11
Pennsylvania v. Mimmsgreen
scotus · 1977 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993“The touchstone of our analysis under the Fourth Amendment is always ‘the reasonableness in all the circumstances of the particular governmental invasion of a citizen’s personal security.’ ” Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S. 106, 108-09 , 98 S.Ct. 330, 332 , 54 L.Ed.2d 331, 335 (1977).

1993“The touchstone of our analysis under the Fourth Amendment is always ‘the reasonableness in all the circumstances of the particular governmental invasion of a citizen’s personal security.’ ” Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S. 106, 108-09 , 98 S.Ct. 330, 332 , 54 L.Ed.2d 331, 335 (1977).

11
Walter v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 1983–1983
2 sentences

1983He wrote: “Even though some circumstances — -for example, if the results of the private search are in plain view when materials are turned over to the Government — may justify the Government’s reexamination of the materials, surely the Government may not exceed the scope of the private search unless it has the right to make an independent search.” Walter v. United States, 447 U.S. at 657, 100 S.Ct. at 2402 , 65 L.Ed.2d at 418 . 4 In the case before us, the DEA agent could properly reexamine the contents of the package to the extent that they were exposed by the search previously conducted by t

1983He wrote: “Even though some circumstances — -for example, if the results of the private search are in plain view when materials are turned over to the Government — may justify the Government’s reexamination of the materials, surely the Government may not exceed the scope of the private search unless it has the right to make an independent search.” Walter v. United States, 447 U.S. at 657, 100 S.Ct. at 2402 , 65 L.Ed.2d at 418 . 4 In the case before us, the DEA agent could properly reexamine the contents of the package to the extent that they were exposed by the search previously conducted by t

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Rhode Island. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (10)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Joseph green
ri · 1975
2 sentences

2007Joseph, 114 R.I. at 604 , 337 A.2d at 528 ; see also Warden v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 307 , 87 S.Ct. 1642 , 18 L.Ed.2d 782 (1967) (holding that items of clothing found in a house searched by the police without a warrant were properly seized where they matched the description of the clothing worn by the culprit and where the police could reasonably have *576 believed that the items seized would aid in the identification of the criminal).

2007Joseph, 114 R.I. at 604 , 337 A.2d at 528 ; see also Warden v. Hayden, 387 U.S. 294, 307 , 87 S.Ct. 1642 , 18 L.Ed.2d 782 (1967) (holding that items of clothing found in a house searched by the police without a warrant were properly seized where they matched the description of the clothing worn by the culprit and where the police could reasonably have *576 believed that the items seized would aid in the identification of the criminal).

12007–2007
State v. Wright green
ri · 1989
2 sentences

1995As to the plain-view doctrine, we said in State v. Wright, 558 A.2d 946 (R.I.1989), that a police officer “may seize evidence in plain view when ‘(1) the officer was lawfully in the position that allowed him to see the evidence, (2) the officer discovered the evidence inadvertently, and (3) it was immediately apparent to the officer that the object was evidence of criminality.’ ” Id. at 950 (quoting State v. Collins, 543 A.2d 641, 652 (R.I.1988)).

1995As to the plain-view doctrine, we said in State v. Wright, 558 A.2d 946 (R.I.1989), that a police officer “may seize evidence in plain view when ‘(1) the officer was lawfully in the position that allowed him to see the evidence, (2) the officer discovered the evidence inadvertently, and (3) it was immediately apparent to the officer that the object was evidence of criminality.’ ” Id. at 950 (quoting State v. Collins, 543 A.2d 641, 652 (R.I.1988)).

11995–1995
United States v. John Spilotro Herbert Blitzstein and Joseph C. Blasko green
ca9 · 1986
1 sentence

1994In that case the court never reached the issue of whether the plain-view doctrine could justify seizure under a redacted warrant because the court found no basis to sever the warrant. 800 F.2d at 967 .

11994–1994
State v. Kowal green
ri · 1980
1 sentence

1994Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 467 , 91 S.Ct. 2022, 2038 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564, 583 (1971); Kowal, 423 A.2d at 1382 .

11994–1994
Illinois v. Andreas green
scotus · 1983
2 sentences

1984In its reply brief, the state tacitly embraced the plain-view exception in its discussion of Illinois v. Andreas, — U.S. -, 103 S.Ct. 3319 , 77 L.Ed.2d 1003 (1983), as farther justification for the chemical testing. .

1984In its reply brief, the state tacitly embraced the plain-view exception in its discussion of Illinois v. Andreas, — U.S. -, 103 S.Ct. 3319 , 77 L.Ed.2d 1003 (1983), as farther justification for the chemical testing. .

11984–1984
United States v. Ramon Rodriguez and Michael Buttigieg green
ca6 · 1979
1 sentence

1983Relying on the Sixth Circuit court’s opinion in United States v. Rodriguez, 596 F.2d 169 (6th Cir.1979), the state, asserts, however, that the plain-view doctrine justified the field test of the white powder.

11983–1983
State v. Marshall green
ri · 1978
1 sentence

1980Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 466-68 , 91 S.Ct. 2022, 2038-39 , 29 L.Ed.2d 564, 583-84 (1971); State v. Marshall, R.I., 387 A.2d at 1048 .

11980–1980
United States v. Theo Donald McDaniel green
ca5 · 1977
1 sentence

1978United States v. McDaniel, supra at 218 .

11978–1978
State v. Wilson green
ri · 1972
1 sentence

1974App. 584 , 292 A.2d 762 (1972); State v. Wilson, supra. The defendant does not even tangentially question the applicability of the plain-view exception, but contends instead that the seizure of the .38-caliber pistol was constitutionally invalid under the line of cases which condemns, absent unusual exigencies, a full search of a person or his automobile following a custody arrest for a minor traffic violation. 6 That contention is clearly inapposite, for here we are not concerned with Detective Vespia’s right to conduct a full search of defendant’s automobile, but with the arresting officer’s

11974–1974
Brown v. State green
mdctspecapp · 1972
1 sentence

1974App. 584 , 292 A.2d 762 (1972); State v. Wilson, supra. The defendant does not even tangentially question the applicability of the plain-view exception, but contends instead that the seizure of the .38-caliber pistol was constitutionally invalid under the line of cases which condemns, absent unusual exigencies, a full search of a person or his automobile following a custody arrest for a minor traffic violation. 6 That contention is clearly inapposite, for here we are not concerned with Detective Vespia’s right to conduct a full search of defendant’s automobile, but with the arresting officer’s

11974–1974

Statutes the citing opinions construe

RI § R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-23-1 (3) RI § R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-5 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

OH 323 (1973–2026) PA 276 (1970–2026) TX 266 (1972–2026) LA 207 (1975–2025) NJ 156 (1977–2026) IL 148 (1968–2025) NY 138 (1972–2026) WA 118 (1971–2026) GA 98 (1974–2024) MI 98 (1970–2026) IN 96 (1971–2023) VA 82 (1987–2026) FL 80 (1973–2026) MA 76 (1975–2026) CA 74 (1972–2026) MO 73 (1972–2017) TN 69 (1980–2025) NC 63 (1974–2025) CT 59 (1973–2025) AL 59 (1971–2018) CO 59 (1970–2026) KS 54 (1971–2022) MD 51 (1972–2026) OR 45 (1972–2026) MN 44 (1977–2024) ID 43 (1974–2026) NM 43 (1975–2025) WI 41 (1973–2025) MS 37 (1977–2025) DC 32 (1973–2025) MT 31 (1977–2025) IA 31 (1976–2026) SC 29 (1983–2023) KY 28 (1972–2025) AR 27 (1977–2021) OK 26 (1977–2015) ND 23 (1981–2026) AZ 22 (1973–2022) NE 21 (1976–2022) UT 19 (1981–2006) NH 19 (1976–2019) WY 18 (1979–2019) HI 17 (1975–2021) DE 17 (1971–2025) WV 17 (1980–2023) RI 16 (1974–2010) ME 16 (1971–2025) AK 16 (1974–2019) NV 15 (1981–2021) VT 12 (1976–2021) SD 11 (1973–2006) VI 8 (1984–2026)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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