Robert Trimble v. State of Indiana

BOEHM, Justice.

We hold that a police officer receiving a credible report of a violation from an identified concerned citizen may properly enter onto private property through the normal route of access to investigate. Once there, publicly viewable evidence of a crime may properly be seized without a warrant, particularly when there is a need to act promptly to protect the health or safety of another, whether human or animal.

Factual and Procedural Background

"Butchie" is a miniature Doberman Pinscher belonging to Vera Wilcox. The defendant, Robert Trimble, agreed to care for Butchie when Vera…