The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review the constitutionality of geofence warrants. These warrants allow law enforcement to collect cellphone location data to identify individuals near crime scenes. The case stems from a police investigation related to a bank robbery in Virginia.
Background of the Case
The geofence warrant in question was issued to Google during a police investigation of a bank robbery that occurred in 2019 at the Call Federal Credit Union in Midlothian, Virginia. In this incident, police apprehended Okello Chatrie. He later pleaded guilty and received a nearly 12-year prison sentence.
Legal Challenges and Privacy Concerns
Chatrie’s defense team challenged the warrant, citing a violation of privacy rights. They argued that the warrant allowed authorities to access the location data of multiple individuals without specific evidence linking them to the crime.
- Chatrie’s lawyers claimed the warrant infringed on his rights.
- Prosecutors contended Chatrie had no privacy expectation since he used Google’s Location History.
A federal judge recognized that the warrant did breach Chatrie’s rights. However, the judge permitted the evidence’s use because the officer believed the warrant was valid. The federal appeals court in Richmond upheld Chatrie’s conviction despite the fractured ruling on the case.
Conflicting Court Rulings
In parallel proceedings, a federal appeals court in New Orleans determined that geofence warrants contravene the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. This case adds to the growing debate over privacy rights and law enforcement practices.
What to Expect
The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments regarding this issue later this year, possibly in either spring or October. This decision could have significant implications for how law enforcement agencies utilize location tracking technology in criminal investigations.
