Case Caption: Roi V. Simmonds (Appellant/Defendant) v. People of the Virgin Islands (Appellee/Plaintiff). S. Ct. Crim. No. 2008-0008Case Number: S.Ct. Crim No. 2008-0008Date: 05/04/2010Author: Cabret, Maria M. Citation: Summary:

Following a warrantless search of Roi Simmonds' back yard, enforcement officers from the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority ("WMA") issued him a citation for accumulating waste on his property. Simmonds moved to suppress evidence obtained as a result of the search, arguing that the officers violated his rights under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Superior Court denied Simmonds' motion to suppress, and after a bench trial, found him guilty of the charge. Simmonds filed this appeal, asserting that the Superior Court erred in denying his motion to suppress. Because we agree with Simmonds that the Fourth Amendment prohibited the officers' warrantless search of his back yard, we will reverse his conviction.

Attachment: Open Document or Opinion