poisonous tree doctrine (Washington) · Go Syfert
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poisonous tree doctrine in Washington

43 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1971–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington 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 (9)

CaseFollowedCited
Wong Sun v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1963 · cited in 9 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1971–2025
2 sentences

2025A related evidentiary concept, highly relevant here, is that of the “fruit of the poisonous tree,” under which “evidence derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression.” State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (2005); Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471, 484-88 (1963). “[T]he attenuation doctrine defines the parameters of the ‘fruit of the poisonous tree’ doctrine.

2025Evidence is not ‘fruit of the poisonous tree’ if the connection between the - 11 - No. 86402-5-I/12 challenged evidence and the illegal actions of the police is ‘so attenuated as to dissipate the taint.’” Eserjose, 171 Wn.2d at 921 (quoting Wong Sun, 371 U.S. at 487 .).

59
State v. O'BREMSKIgreen
wash · 1967 · cited in 8 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2005–2016
2 sentences

2011To prevent the government from benefiting from such unlawful activity, article I, section 7 also requires suppression of evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure under the "fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine." Id. at 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (citing State v. O'Bremski, 70 Wash.2d 425, 428 , 423 P.2d 530 (1967)). ¶ 37 However, we have recognized that under article I, section 7, only evidence obtained as a result of unlawful government activity must be excluded in order to respect both the privacy interests of the individual and the State's interest in prosecuting criminal activity.

2011To prevent the government from benefiting from such unlawful activity, article I, section 7 also requires suppression of evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure under the "fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine." Id. at 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (citing State v. O'Bremski, 70 Wash.2d 425, 428 , 423 P.2d 530 (1967)). ¶ 37 However, we have recognized that under article I, section 7, only evidence obtained as a result of unlawful government activity must be excluded in order to respect both the privacy interests of the individual and the State's interest in prosecuting criminal activity.

48
State v. Earlygreen
washctapp · 1983 · cited in 4 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2003–2007
2 sentences

2003See State v. Weller, 76 Wash.App. 165, 168 , 884 P.2d 610 (1994) ("Evidence is only inadmissible as `fruit of the poisonous tree' if it has been gathered by exploitation of the original illegality."); see also State v. Early, 36 Wash.App. 215, 221-22 , 674 P.2d 179 (1983) (evidence obtained from independent source need not be suppressed under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine).

2003App. 215, 221-22 , 674 P.2d 179 (1983) (evidence obtained from independent source need not be suppressed under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine).

34
State v. Gainesgreen
wash · 2005 · cited in 13 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2008–2025
2 sentences

2025A related evidentiary concept, highly relevant here, is that of the “fruit of the poisonous tree,” under which “evidence derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression.” State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (2005); Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471, 484-88 (1963). “[T]he attenuation doctrine defines the parameters of the ‘fruit of the poisonous tree’ doctrine.

2018“In addition, evidence derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.” Gaines, 154 Wn.2d at 717 .

213
State v. Kinzygreen
wash · 2000 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004See Kinzy, 141 Wn.2d at 396-97 (Madsen, J., concurring).

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

22
State v. Eserjosegreen
wash · 2011 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2019–2025
2 sentences

2025Evidence is not ‘fruit of the poisonous tree’ if the connection between the - 11 - No. 86402-5-I/12 challenged evidence and the illegal actions of the police is ‘so attenuated as to dissipate the taint.’” Eserjose, 171 Wn.2d at 921 (quoting Wong Sun, 371 U.S. at 487 .).

2019Rather, we have consistently adhered to the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine." Id. at 919-20 (footnote omitted).

12
State v. Ridgwaygreen
washctapp · 1990 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015In addition, evidence derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine." Jd.; see also State v. Ridgway, 57 Wn.

2015App. 915, 920 , 790 P.2d 1263 (1990) (If "the showing of probable cause was dependent on information gained during an unlawful search, all of the evidence seized pursuant to the warrant [is] tainted and, therefore, inadmissible").

11
State v. Kinzygreen
wash · 2000 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

2004See Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 396-97 , 5 P.3d 668 (Madsen, J., concurring).

11
State v. Wellergreen
washctapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
2 sentences

2003See State v. Weller, 76 Wash.App. 165, 168 , 884 P.2d 610 (1994) ("Evidence is only inadmissible as `fruit of the poisonous tree' if it has been gathered by exploitation of the original illegality."); see also State v. Early, 36 Wash.App. 215, 221-22 , 674 P.2d 179 (1983) (evidence obtained from independent source need not be suppressed under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine).

2003See State v. Weller, 76 Wash.App. 165, 168 , 884 P.2d 610 (1994) ("Evidence is only inadmissible as `fruit of the poisonous tree' if it has been gathered by exploitation of the original illegality."); see also State v. Early, 36 Wash.App. 215, 221-22 , 674 P.2d 179 (1983) (evidence obtained from independent source need not be suppressed under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (23)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Gaines green
wash · 2005
2 sentences

2025A related evidentiary concept, highly relevant here, is that of the “fruit of the poisonous tree,” under which “evidence derived from an illegal search may also be subject to suppression.” State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (2005); Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471, 484-88 (1963). “[T]he attenuation doctrine defines the parameters of the ‘fruit of the poisonous tree’ doctrine.

2011Under Harris , our analysis would end there; but to satisfy article I, section 7, it is necessary to determine whether the confession, though the direct product of lawful custodial interrogation, was the indirect product of the prior arrest, which lacked the "authority of law." As we said in Gaines , the exclusionary rule applies equally to "evidence seized during an illegal search [or seizure]," and "evidence derived from an illegal search [or seizure] under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine." Gaines, 154 Wash.2d at 716, 717 , 116 P.3d 993 (emphasis added).

82008–2025
State v. Eisfeldt green
wash · 2008
2 sentences

2018State v. Eisfeldt, 163 Wn.2d 628, 640 , 185 P.3d 580 (2008).

2017State v. Eisfeldt, 163 Wn.2d 628,640 , 185 P.3d 580 (2008). 12 No. 34154-2-111 State v. Souza Jon Souza fleetingly argues that the dog sniff does not create probable cause because Isko was trained to alert to marijuana, among other drugs, and marijuana is now legal in the State of Washington.

52015–2018
State v. Eisfeldt green
wash · 2008
2 sentences

2018State v. Eisfeldt, 163 Wn.2d 628, 640 , 185 P.3d 580 (2008).

2017State v. Eisfeldt, 163 Wn.2d 628,640 , 185 P.3d 580 (2008). 12 No. 34154-2-111 State v. Souza Jon Souza fleetingly argues that the dog sniff does not create probable cause because Isko was trained to alert to marijuana, among other drugs, and marijuana is now legal in the State of Washington.

52015–2018
State v. Tan Le green
washctapp · 2000
2 sentences

2015State v. Le. 103 Wn.

2013State v. Tan Le, 103 Wn.

22013–2015
State v. Faford green
wash · 1996
2 sentences

2014As Kipp points out, accepting the State's argument would mean that a confession of child molestation , __________ 6 While the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine generally does not apply to private , searches, Washington's privacy act is applied broadly as to require exclusion of any "evidence exclusively and din~.ctly f1owing from a privacy act violation." J·iaford, 128 Wn.2d at 489 .

2014While the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine generally does not apply to private searches, Washington’s privacy act is applied broadly as to require exclusion of any “evidence exclusively and directly flowing from a privacy act violation.” Faford, 128 Wn.2d at 489 .

22014–2014
State v. Winterstein green
wash · 2009
2 sentences

2011State v. Winterstein, 167 Wash.2d 620, 634 , 220 P.3d 1226 (2009) (citing Gaines, 154 Wash.2d at 720 , 116 P.3d 993 ).

2011State v. Winterstein, 167 Wn.2d 620, 634 , 220 P.3d 1226 (2009) (citing Gaines, 154 Wn.2d at 720 ).

22011–2011
State v. Winterstein green
wash · 2009
2 sentences

2011State v. Winterstein, 167 Wash.2d 620, 634 , 220 P.3d 1226 (2009) (citing Gaines, 154 Wash.2d at 720 , 116 P.3d 993 ).

2011State v. Winterstein, 167 Wn.2d 620, 634 , 220 P.3d 1226 (2009) (citing Gaines, 154 Wn.2d at 720 ).

22011–2011
Burdeau v. McDowell green
scotus · 1921
2 sentences

1996Burdeau v. McDowell, 256 U.S. 465 , 41 S.Ct. 574 , 65 L.Ed. 1048 , 13 A.L.R. 1159 (1921); State v. Agee, 15 Wash.App. 709, 713 , 552 P.2d 1084 (1976), aff'd, 89 Wash.2d 416 , 573 P.2d 355 (1977).

1996Burdeau v. McDowell, 256 U.S. 465 , 41 S.Ct. 574 , 65 L.Ed. 1048 , 13 A.L.R. 1159 (1921); State v. Agee, 15 Wash.App. 709, 713 , 552 P.2d 1084 (1976), aff'd, 89 Wash.2d 416 , 573 P.2d 355 (1977).

21996–1996
Merklinghaus v. Bracken neutral
wash · 2019
1 sentence

2021App. 2d 867 , 881, 428 P.3d 1251 , review granted, cause remanded, 193 Wn.2d 1008 , 439 P.3d 1075 (2019).

12021–2021
State v. Herrera-Castro neutral
wash · 2019
1 sentence

2021App. 2d 867 , 881, 428 P.3d 1251 , review granted, cause remanded, 193 Wn.2d 1008 , 439 P.3d 1075 (2019).

12021–2021
State Of Washington v. Blayne Michael Perez neutral
washctapp · 2018
1 sentence

2021App. 2d 867 , 881, 428 P.3d 1251 , review granted, cause remanded, 193 Wn.2d 1008 , 439 P.3d 1075 (2019).

12021–2021
State v. Mayfield green
wash · 2019
1 sentence

2020Mayfield, 192 Wn.2d at 888-89 .

12020–2020
State v. Eserjose green
wash · 2011
2 sentences

2019Rather, we have consistently adhered to the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine." Id. at 919-20, 259 P.3d 172 (footnote omitted).

2019We also agree with the lead opinion that on a practical level, "[a]n alternative 'but for' principle would make it virtually impossible to rehabilitate an investigation once misconduct has occurred, granting suspected criminals a permanent immunity unless, by chance, other law enforcement officers initiate an independent investigation." Id. at 922, 259 P.3d 172 .

12019–2019
State v. Kull green
wash · 2005
1 sentence

2018The trial court did not err in concluding that Valencia's testimony corroborated more than harmless details. 40 State v. Kull, 155 Wn.2d 80, 88 , 118 P.3d 307 (2005). - 14 - No. 76902-2-1 / 15 Last, Perez asserts that because police did not have probable cause to arrest him, the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine requires suppression of any evidence that he possessed heroin.

12018–2018
State v. Kull green
wash · 2005
1 sentence

2018The trial court did not err in concluding that Valencia's testimony corroborated more than harmless details. 40 State v. Kull, 155 Wn.2d 80, 88 , 118 P.3d 307 (2005). - 14 - No. 76902-2-1 / 15 Last, Perez asserts that because police did not have probable cause to arrest him, the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine requires suppression of any evidence that he possessed heroin.

12018–2018
State v. Ladson green
wash · 1999
1 sentence

2008State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 716-17 , 116 P.3d 993 (2005) (citing State v. Ladson, 138 Wn.2d 343, 359 , 979 P.2d 833 (1999); State v. O’Bremski, 70 Wn.2d 425, 428 , 423 P.2d 530 (1967) (citing Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471 , 83 S. Ct. 407 , 9 L.

12008–2008
State v. Ladson green
wash · 1999
1 sentence

2008State v. Gaines, 154 Wn.2d 711, 716-17 , 116 P.3d 993 (2005) (citing State v. Ladson, 138 Wn.2d 343, 359 , 979 P.2d 833 (1999); State v. O’Bremski, 70 Wn.2d 425, 428 , 423 P.2d 530 (1967) (citing Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471 , 83 S. Ct. 407 , 9 L.

12008–2008
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
2 sentences

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

12004–2004
Terry v. Ohio green
scotus · 1968
2 sentences

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

2004Kinzy, 141 Wash.2d at 382 , 5 P.3d 668 . [5] Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 , 88 S.Ct. 1868 , 20 L.Ed.2d 889 (1968). [6] Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). [7] Though only four justices, myself included, signed the majority in Kinzy, Justice Madsen's concurrence did not deviate from the majority's application of the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

12004–2004
State v. Thompson green
washctapp · 2002
1 sentence

2004Id. at 796-97, 51 P.3d 143 .

12004–2004
State v. Agee green
wash · 1977
11996–1996
State v. Agee green
washctapp · 1976
2 sentences

1996Burdeau v. McDowell, 256 U.S. 465 , 41 S.Ct. 574 , 65 L.Ed. 1048 , 13 A.L.R. 1159 (1921); State v. Agee, 15 Wash.App. 709, 713 , 552 P.2d 1084 (1976), aff'd, 89 Wash.2d 416 , 573 P.2d 355 (1977).

1996Burdeau v. McDowell, 256 U.S. 465 , 41 S.Ct. 574 , 65 L.Ed. 1048 , 13 A.L.R. 1159 (1921); State v. Agee, 15 Wash.App. 709, 713 , 552 P.2d 1084 (1976), aff'd, 89 Wash.2d 416 , 573 P.2d 355 (1977).

11996–1996
State v. Byers red
wash · 1977
11981–1981

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 2.06.040 (9) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 69.50.401 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.73.030 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.73.050 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.94A.631 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.41.040 (3) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 9.73.090 (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

PA 73 (1975–2025) TX 57 (1977–2026) IN 55 (1987–2025) IL 46 (1970–2026) CA 45 (1967–2022) WA 43 (1971–2025) NM 41 (1977–2020) NY 37 (1967–2025) MD 36 (1969–2025) FL 34 (1969–2025) MA 33 (1981–2025) MI 31 (1973–2026) KS 30 (1975–2026) CO 27 (1980–2025) HI 23 (1964–2026) OH 22 (1969–2025) SC 20 (1981–2026) NJ 18 (1977–2024) WI 16 (1994–2025) NC 16 (1979–2021) CT 16 (1988–2025) VA 16 (1986–2026) MS 15 (1978–2026) TN 15 (1998–2020) SD 14 (1977–2024) IA 14 (1965–2022) GA 13 (1982–2026) MO 13 (1974–2009) OR 13 (1975–2015) NH 13 (1991–2025) WV 12 (1983–2015) LA 10 (1977–2025) AZ 10 (1972–2023) ID 9 (2000–2023) MT 9 (1979–2024) AL 7 (1973–2008) AR 6 (1979–2009) WY 5 (1976–2011) RI 4 (2014–2024) DE 4 (1990–2025) KY 4 (2011–2024) ND 3 (1979–2021) VT 3 (2007–2019) MN 3 (1986–1999) OK 3 (1973–2015) DC 3 (1977–2021) AK 2 (1973–1983) NV 2 (1976–2025) ME 2 (2000–2010) NE 2 (2008–2020)

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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