State v. Branstetter

Caplinger, J.:

Jason Branstetter appeals his convictions of one count of possession of methamphetamine, K.S.A. 2007 Supp. 65-4160(a), and one count of possession of a controlled substance without a tax stamp affixed, K.S.A. 79-5204. Branstetter argues that law enforcement officers lacked statutory authority or other reasonable grounds to impound his vehicle following his arrest and the district court therefore erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence discovered during the inventory search which followed impoundment.

Because the vehicle operated by the defendant was not unattended,…