Case
State v. T.S.; Case No. 562006CF005068 (St. Lucie County)
Arresting Agency
Fort Pierce Police Department
Result
Charges Dropped
There was a fire at our client's home and they called 911. Once the fire was extinguished and no danger remained, the Fort Pierce police searched our client's home without a warrant. Cocaine and guns were found in the home during the search. We filed a Motion to Suppress. We argued that the police did not have the right to search our client's home under these circumstances. The only way the prosecution was going to win is if they could convince a judge (and later the 4th District Court of Appeals) that exigent circumstances existed which trumped the warrant requirement. Don’t think so. The fire was extinguished. No one was hurt. No emergency or exigency existed when the police showed up. This would make all evidence found pursuant to the search warrant inadmissible at a trial against our client. After filing our Motion to Suppress and having numerous conversations with the prosecutor, all charges were dropped.
Motion to Suppress
Nolle Prosequi