State Idaho v. Wess Allen Knapp

Wess Knapp was arrested at the police station in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, after he confessed to committing arson and burglary. Knapp entered a conditional guilty plea to two counts of first degree burglary, I.C. §§ 18-1401, -1402, -1403, -1404, four counts of first degree arson, I.C. § 18-801, five counts of second degree arson, I.C. § 18-802, one count of third degree arson, I.C. § 18-803, and one count of fourth degree arson, I.C. § 18-804, reserving the right to appeal from the denial of his suppression motions. I.C.R. 11(a)(2). On appeal, we must decide whether the district court correctly held that Knapp was not under arrest when police officers stopped, searched and questioned him on a city street in Coeur dAlene. We also must decide whether a police officer had authority to enter Knapps motel room to search for incriminating evidence. If the officers presence in the motel room was lawful, we must then decide whether the officer illegally seized Knapps tennis shoes. Finally, we must decide whether the delay in bringing Knapp before a magistrate for an initial appearance was an unreasonable delay. I.C. § 19-615; I.C.R. 5. For reasons explained below, we affirm the judgments of conviction.