Search of Vehicle

[freedom2]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: VA

Driving I was stopped for dead inspection sticker. Registration was also outdated. When License was ran it was revoked due to a DUI which occurred one year ago. Officer impounds vehicle for 30 days but before impounding states he must inventory contents of vehicle first. Inside vehicle officer finds 12 ecstasy pills and water bong with marijuana residue inside. Did the officer have reasonable cause to search vehicle before impounding or does this go against the fourth amendment search and seizure clause. Charges faced possession of category I drug class 5 felony and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

[cyjeff]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: VA

Driving I was stopped for dead inspection sticker. Registration was also outdated. When License was ran it was revoked due to a DUI which occurred one year ago. Officer impounds vehicle for 30 days but before impounding states he must inventory contents of vehicle first. Inside vehicle officer finds 12 ecstasy pills and water bong with marijuana residue inside. Did the officer have reasonable cause to search vehicle before impounding or does this go against the fourth amendment search and seizure clause. Charges faced possession of category I drug class 5 felony and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

He was impounding the vehicle. It was already in the control of the state.

This is not an illegal search.

[cdwjava]

Ditto. Impound inventories are perfectly legal.

Consult local counsel ... and you might want to consider a deal.

- Carl