Perez v. United States
This case involves a criminal defendant challenging the warrantless search of his backpack by police at the time of his arrest, arguing it violated his constitutional rights because the bag was already secured by officers.
- Status
- Decided
- Decision released
- Mar 4, 2002
Decision briefing
The case in plain English
What's this case about?
Whether the Fourth Amendment prohibits the warrantless search of a backpack, piece of luggage, or other bag carried by an individual at the time of his arrest once police have secured the bag and eliminated any possibility of reaching a weapon or evidence inside it.
What are the basics?
This case involves a criminal defendant challenging the warrantless search of his backpack by police at the time of his arrest, arguing it violated his constitutional rights because the bag was already secured by officers.
Where things stand
Timeline
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This page is grounded in official case materials and tracker data.
Page data last refreshed Mar 8, 2026.
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