North Carolina BLET State Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The plain view doctrine allows law enforcement officers to seize evidence of a crime without a warrant if it is immediately apparent that the items are incriminating and they are in plain view. This doctrine extends beyond just visual observation; it encompasses other senses such as smell and touch, provided that the officer is in a lawful position to detect these odors or tactile information.

For example, if an officer is lawfully present in a location and detects the strong smell of marijuana emanating from a vehicle, that odor can serve as a basis for probable cause to investigate further, as it is an indication of illegal activity. Similarly, if an officer feels an object during a lawful encounter that turns out to be contraband, that tactile recognition can also justify a seizure if it is clear what the object is.

The rationale is that if an officer is legally present in a space and can observe or detect contraband through any of their senses in a way that is immediately apparent, they are permitted to act on that information.