State v. Ricky Wright (A-64-13; 073137)

State v. Ricky Wright (A-64-13; 073137) 

The third-party intervention or private search doctrine does not exempt law enforcement’s initial search of defendant’s home from the warrant requirement. Absent exigency or some other exception to the warrant requirement, the police must get a warrant to enter a private home and conduct a search, even if a private actor has already searched the area and notified law enforcement.