Washington V. Hill

Dennis Hill appeals the denial of his motion to suppress evidence. His automobile was stopped for defective equipment; thereafter the passenger was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded because of defective equipment. He contends the impoundment was pretext for a general exploratory search; was not a legitimate community caretaking function of the troopers; and was unauthorized by statute, especially when the troopers did not consider the alternatives.*fn1 The State contends the court may affirm the search under either the impoundment or search incident to arrest rationales.