State v. Johnson

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

VERNIERO, J.

While executing a “no-knock” search warrant at a residential apartment, the police seized evidence of illegal drug activity that led to defendant’s arrest and conviction. As the name implies, a no-knock warrant authorizes police officers to enter a home or business without first knocking and announcing their presence. The trial court denied defendant’s motion to suppress the evidence seized at the apartment. The Appellate Division affirmed. We hold that the record did not adequately justify the issuance of a no-knock warrant in this case.…