⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

Donald Cantrell challenges a search that led to his federal methamphetamine conviction. After probation officers found a gun at his home, Cantrell was jailed and made recorded calls about money and items in the house. Investigators relied on those calls and an informant's tip to obtain a warrant; the search found methamphetamine and cash. The trial judge refused to exclude the evidence and denied a Franks hearing; Cantrell later pleaded guilty. He now appeals the search rulings. Probable cause means a fair probability that evidence of a crime will be found in the place to be searched. An affidavit is the sworn statement supporting a warrant. A Franks hearing examines its truthfulness, but requires a substantial preliminary showing of deliberate or reckless police falsehoods necessary to probable cause. The good-faith exception may allow evidence obtained through objectively reasonable reliance on a defective warrant. Harry Smith will argue the affidavit was misleading and the informant's information too old; Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner will defend the warrant and conviction.

United States v. Donald Cantrell (No. 24-4553) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, argued October 28, 2026.