Case Victory: Indiana Court of Appeals Overturns Illegal Search in Thomas v. State

At Brian J Johnson Law, we believe the Constitution still matters—especially when it comes to the privacy of your home. On June 6, 2025, the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a powerful ruling in Thomas v. State, reversing a trial court’s denial of our motion to suppress and throwing out all evidence seized under an unconstitutional search warrant.
 

Here’s what the Court held—and why it matters:

The Facts
 

Police executed a search warrant at our client’s home based solely on the fact that a truck allegedly involved in a theft was parked on a public street nearby. The warrant authorized officers to search the entire home, including bedrooms and dresser drawers, for “construction equipment” and other vaguely defined items—even though the stolen property in question was the size of a small car.

To make matters worse, the affidavit included language suggesting drug trafficking—despite no mention of drugs anywhere in the investigation. It was later admitted to be a “copy-and-paste” error.

The Ruling

The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled:

• There was no probable cause to search the home.
• Proximity alone does not create a nexus between a crime and a residence.
• The warrant was overbroad and failed to describe what was to be seized with any meaningful particularity.
• “Template” or boilerplate language in affidavits is not a substitute for facts.
• The good faith exception did not apply, because no reasonable officer could have relied on such a facially deficient warrant.
• All evidence seized under the first and second warrant must be suppressed.
   

This wasn’t a technicality. The Court made clear: vague warrants, speculation in place of facts, and cut-and-paste policing are not tolerated under the Fourth Amendment.

Why It Matters
 

This decision protects all Indiana citizens from unconstitutional searches. The Court reaffirmed that:
 

“The mere fact that a vehicle… is parked on a public street near a residence does not give law enforcement the authority to invade the privacy of that residence.”

At Brian J Johnson Law,, we’re proud to have defended not only our client, but also the privacy rights of every Hoosier. If your rights have been violated or you’re facing a criminal charge based on a questionable search, contact us. We know how to fight—and win.

Read the opinion, State v. Thomas,24A-CR-01731, or watch the argument here.