FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Supreme Court says it's OK for police to bring drug-sniffing dogs into privately owned condominiums without a warrant.
The opinion posted last week rejected an appeal by Andrew Williams, a West Fargo man who was arrested for possession of marijuana after police brought the dog into a common hallway he shared with another resident in the condo.
Defense attorney Scott Brand argued that the hallway in the condo should be considered curtilage, or part of the home, and that gave Williams an expectation of privacy.
The court said in a 5-0 ruling that the common areas of a multi-family dwelling are not protected by the Constitution, and the search was legal.
Justices ruled last year that police can bring drug-sniffing dogs into apartment buildings without a warrant.