Which case is commonly cited for the automobile exception enabling warrantless searches of a stopped vehicle when there is probable cause to believe evidence is present?

Which case is commonly cited for the automobile exception enabling warrantless searches of a stopped vehicle when there is probable cause to believe evidence is present?

• A. United States v. Hensley
• B. Hoffa v. United States
• C. Carroll v. State
• D. Graham v. Connor

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the automobile exception: when police have probable cause to believe a vehicle contains evidence, they may search the vehicle without a warrant because cars are mobile and evidence can be moved or hidden quickly. The landmark case that established this rule is Carroll v. United States, which justifies warrantless vehicle searches based on probable cause. In many jurisdictions, Carroll v. State serves as the state-level version of that principle, so this choice correctly points to the case that anchors the automobile exception. Other cases listed address different Fourth Amendment issues and do not establish this exception.

The main idea here is the automobile exception: when police have probable cause to believe a vehicle contains evidence, they may search the vehicle without a warrant because cars are mobile and evidence can be moved or hidden quickly. The landmark case that established this rule is Carroll v. United States, which justifies warrantless vehicle searches based on probable cause. In many jurisdictions, Carroll v. State serves as the state-level version of that principle, so this choice correctly points to the case that anchors the automobile exception. Other cases listed address different Fourth Amendment issues and do not establish this exception.