Court of Appeals Reminds Drug Defense Bar to Preserve Error
On June 16, 2021 the Iowa Court of Appeals issued a reminder to the drug defense bar in State v. Britcher. Police deployed a drug K9 around Britcher’s vehicle following a traffic stop for license plate lamp and registration plate violations. A probable cause search ensued that revealed methamphetamine. Britcher argued on appeal that police impermissibly expanded both the duration and scope of the traffic stop. He also challenged the use of the K9 inside his car. Three issues in total. The Court of Appeals upheld the admissibility of evidence because police did not expand the duration of the traffic […]
