Opinion

State v. Alfaro

  • 127 Ariz. 578
  • 623 P.2d 8
  • 1980 Ariz. LEXIS 303
Court
Arizona Supreme Court
Filed
Dec 15, 1980
Status
Published
Author
Holohan
On the bench
Gordon, Struckmeyer, Cameron, Holohan
Cited by
27 cases
Authority
More cited than 6.2%

holding that the exclusionary rule could not be invoked at a violation of probation hearing

How later courts described this case

  • holding that the exclusionary rule could not be invoked at a violation of probation hearing
  • noting that probationers possess “conditional liberty properly dependent on the observance of special (probation) restrictions”
  • under weighing analysis, exclusionary rule held not applicable during probation revocation proceedings
  • exclusionary rule does not apply to probation revocation proceedings

Written by the judges who cited it.

The opinion

HOLOHAN, Vice Chief Justice

(dissenting):

The reasons advanced by the majority for not applying the exclusionary rule to probation revocation proceedings are not persuasive to me. The long line of federal cases holding as inadmissible evidence obtained by illegal search compels the conclusion that this court’s balancing of benefits test cannot be sustained.

The rehabilitative goal of probation is no greater reason for admission of illegally obtained evidence than the other great concerns involved in any criminal prosecution. The United States Supreme Court has ruled illegally seized evidence is inadmissible. Until that court changes its position we are bound by the principles set forth in their decisions.

I believe that State v. Shirley, 117 Ariz. 105 , 570 P.2d 1278 (App.1977) is correct in its holding that the exclusionary rule is applicable to probation revocation proceedings. I would reverse the order of the trial court revoking appellant’s probation.

GORDON, Justice (dissenting):

I concur in the dissent of Vice Chief Justice HOLOHAN.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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