TITLE 18

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 41

INDECENCY AND OBSCENITY

18-4111.  Search warrant for seizure of obscene material. (A) An affidavit for a search warrant shall be filed with the magistrate describing the matter sought to be seized in detail. Where practical, the matter alleged to be obscene shall be attached to the affidavit for search warrant so as to afford the magistrate the opportunity to examine such material.

(B)  Upon the filing of an affidavit for a search warrant, the magistrate shall determine, by examination of the matter sought to be seized, if attached, by an examination of the affidavit describing the matter, or by such other manner or means that he deems necessary, if probable cause exists to believe that the matter is obscene and that probable cause exists for the immediate issuance of a search warrant. Upon making such determination, he shall issue a search warrant ordering the seizure of the matter described in the affidavit for a search warrant according to the provisions of Idaho criminal rules of procedure.

(C)  In the event that a search warrant is issued and matter alleged to be obscene is seized under the provisions of this section, any person alleged to be in possession of the said matter or claiming ownership of the matter at the time of its possession or seizure may file a notice in writing with the magistrate within ten (10) days of the date of the seizure alleging that the matter is not obscene and the magistrate shall set a hearing within one (1) day after request therefore, or at such time as the requesting party might agree, and at such hearing evidence may be presented as to the obscenity or nonobscenity of the matter seized and at the conclusion of such hearing, the magistrate shall make a further determination of whether probable cause exists to believe that the matter is obscene or nonobscene. A decision as to whether there is probable cause to believe the seized material to be obscene shall be rendered by the court within two (2) days of the conclusion of said hearing. If at such hearing the magistrate finds that no probable cause exists to believe that the matter is obscene, then the matter shall be returned to the person or persons from whom it was seized.

(D)  If a motion to suppress the evidence is granted on the grounds of an unlawful seizure, the property shall be restored unless it is subject to confiscation as contraband, as provided for in section 18-4112, Idaho Code, in which case it shall not be returned.

(E)  When a search warrant is issued under the provisions of this section, only that matter described in the complaint shall be seized by the executing peace officer or officers.

(F)  Procedures under this section for the seizure of allegedly obscene matter shall be cumulative of all other lawful means of obtaining evidence as provided by the laws of this state. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the obtaining of alleged obscene matter by purchase or under injunction proceedings as authorized by this act or by any other statute of the state of Idaho.

History:

[18-4111, added 1976, ch. 81, sec. 11, p. 265.]