State v. Robinson

The query posed for resolution in the cause sub judice is whether the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is contravened when police, pursuant to standard department procedure, conduct an inventory search of the trunk of a lawfully impounded automobile.

Appellant agrees that a routine inventory search of a lawfully impounded automobile may be no more intrusive than is necessary to protect personal property located within the vehicle, and to guard the interests of the police. Appellant argues, however, that the instant search did not exceed these limitations and was reasonable…