The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Bravo, 295 F.3d 1002 (9th Cir. 2002):
Bravo argues that the search of the toolbox on his truck was a non-routine border search because it involved force and caused damage. If the search was non-routine, it must have been supported by a reasonable suspicion of illegal activity. We recently extended the non-routine border search doctrine to vehicles and other objects not just bodies. United States v. Molina-Tarazon, 279 F.3d 709 (9th Cir.2002), established a non-exhaustive list of factors to determine when a search morphs from routine to non-routine: use of force, danger to the person whose possession is being searched, and the psychological intrusiveness of the search.
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.