People v. Williams

Opinion

BOLAND, J.

INTRODUCTION

Appellant Ricky Conley Williams challenges his carrying a loaded firearm conviction on the ground the trial court erred by denying his suppression motion. We conclude that impounding appellant’s car, which was legally parked in front of his residence, was unconstitutional, as it served no community caretaking purpose. The subsequent inventory search of the car therefore also was unconstitutional, and the trial court erred by denying appellant’s suppression motion.

BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Santa Monica Police Department Officer Derek Morton saw appellant…