Police knowledge of suspect's criminal history consisting of two non-violent felony convictions is sufficient for no-knock execution of search warrant

SEARCH & SEIZURE United States v. Musa, No. 03-3343, ___ F.3d ___ (10th Cir. Mar. 21, 2005)(Kansas). Government appeal of district court order suppressing drug evidence seized under search warrant. HELD: District court erred in granting defendant's motion to suppress drug evidence seized under search warrant executed by no-knock entry to defendant's residence. Defendant's prior criminal history including felony convictions for auto theft and marijuana possession as well as arrests for domestic battery, terroristic threat, possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia was sufficient to justify no-knock execution of search warrant. Read the opinion here.