Washington v. Hinton

A police detective read text messages on a cell phone police seized from Daniel Lee, who had been arrested for possession of heroin. Among other things, the detective read an incoming text message from Shawn Hinton, responded to it posing as Lee, and arranged a drug deal. Hinton was consequently arrested and charged with attempted possession of heroin. Hinton argued on appeal of his conviction that the detective's conduct violated his rights under the state and federal constitutions. Upon review, the Supreme Court agreed that Hinton's rights were violated when the officer intercepted the private text message without Lee's or Hinton's consent or warrant. Accordingly, the Court reversed the Court of Appeals' decision and Hinton's conviction. View "Washington v. Hinton" on Justia Law