MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
THIS MATTER comes before the Court on Plaintiff Martha Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment, filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31). The Court held a hearing on October 4, 2011. The primary issues are: (i) whether Defendants Jennifer Jara and Daniel Vazquez seized Plaintiff Wilson in her home in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution; (ii) whether Jara and Vazquez
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
While the Defendants dispute many of Wilson’s statements of allegedly undisputed facts, most, if not all, of the material facts are undisputed.
On August 16, 2007, Wilson and Plaintiff Timothy Chabot, Wilson’s son, were at their home, an apartment on Tramway Boulevard in Albuquerque, New Mexico. See Deposition of Martha Wilson at 30:15-19 (taken June 8, 2011), filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31-1) (“Wilson Depo.”); Plaintiff Martha Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment ¶ 1, at 1, filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31) (“Motion SJ”) (setting forth this fact); Defendants’ Response to Plaintiff Martha Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment as to Count III at 2, filed July 27, 2011 (Doc. 38) (“Response”) (admitting this fact). Wilson shared her home with T. Chabot and her daughter, Haley Chabot. See Wilson Depo. at 28:24-21:5; Motion SJ ¶ 2, at 1 (setting forth this fact); Response at 2 (admitting this fact). Jara and Vazquez were dispatched to Wilson’s home on a complaint about two males fighting. See Deposition of Jennifer Jara at 32:2-4, filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31-2) (“Jara Depo.”); Motion SJ ¶ 3, at l(setting forth this fact); Response at 2 (admitting this fact). H. Chabot made a 911 call to report: (i) an altercation between her friend and her brother, T Chabot; (ii) that she did not know if T. Chabot had weapons; and (iii) that T. Chabot had grabbed Wilson by the arms. See Albuquerque Police Department Research and Recording Incident Recall History, filed July 27, 2011 (Doc. 38-1) (“Incident History”); Dispatch Recording of Haley Chabot’s 911 Call (dated August 16, 2007), filed July 27, 2011 (Doc. 38-2) (“H.’s 911 Call”); Response ¶ A, at 6 (setting forth this fact).
Vazquez knew that H. Chabot did not intend to return home that evening. See Deposition of Daniel Vazquez at 26:8-13 (taken July 8, 2011), filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31-3) (“Vazquez Depo.”); Motion SJ ¶ 7, at 2 (setting forth this faсt).
When Wilson answered the door, Jara and Vazquez informed Wilson that H. Chabot indicated that T. Chabot had committed domestic violence upon her and requested to speak with T. Chabot. See Transcript of Officer Jara’s Belt Tape at 2:18-3:10 (August 16, 2007) filed July 27, 2011 (Doc. 3 8-8) (“Jara’s Belt Tape”); Response ¶ J, at 7 (setting forth this fact). Wilson explained to Jara and Vazquez that H. Chabot had a male friend over and that an argument between the friend and T. Chabot “escalated into a fight.” Wilson Depo. at 44:2-5; Motion SJ ¶ 10, at 2 (setting forth this fact); Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:2-8; Response ¶ 10, at 7 (disputing this fact).
Wilson expressed concern that the officers might tase her son. See Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:17-25; Response ¶ M, at 8 (setting forth this fact). Jara and Vazquez responded that they had no intention of tasing T. Chabot, repeated their request to speak to T. Chabot, and stated that they did not want any problems with Wilson. See Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:17-4:25; Response ¶ M, at 8 (setting forth this fact). Wilson continued to refuse to retrieve T. Chabot, and denied that Jara and Vazquez were having a problem with her. See Jara’s Belt Tape at 5:1-17; Response ¶ N, at 8 (setting forth this fact). Jara and Vazquez ordered Wilson to go get her son or they would come in to get him. See Jara Depo. at 45:2-12, 61:22-23, 62:15-17; Motion SJ ¶ 13, at 2 (setting forth this fact); Jara’s Belt Tape at 6:15-7:4; Response ¶ 0, at 8.
Wilson retrieved T. Chabot, and he stood in the doorframe, but still in the interior of the apartment. See Wilson Depo. at 47:8-13; Motion SJ ¶ 17, at 3 (setting forth this fact).
Jara and Vazquez reached into the apartment, beyond the threshold, to arrest T. Chabot, and T. Chabot stepped deeper into the apartment. See Jara Depo. at
Police officers are on heightened alert with domestic violence calls because they are the type of incidents where an officer is most likely to be injured or killed. See Vazquez Depo. at 78:6-21; Response ¶ X, at 10 (setting forth this fact). Jara and Vazquez did not want to speak to T. Chabot at the top of the stairwell because of officer safety concerns about being pushed down or falling down the stairs. See Vazquez Depo. at 78:22-25, 79:11-16; Response ¶¥, at 10 (setting forth this fact). Jara and Vazquez did not want to speak to T. Chabot in the doorway — “the fatal funnel” — because of officer safety concerns and because it is a confined space, difficult to seek cover, and left them exposed. See
After cuffing T. Chabot, Jara and Vazquez took him downstairs, and Jara told Wilson to remain upstairs and not to follow them or that she too would be arrested. See Markel Depo. at 26:15-27:25; Jara Depo. at 74:1-76:12; Response ¶ AA, at 10 (setting forth this fact). Wilson ignored Jara’s request to not follow them downstairs. See Jara Depo. at 73:17-75:12; Markel Depo. at 26:15-28:13, 36:17-21; Response ¶ BB, at 10 (setting forth this fact).
Wilson grabbed Vazquez again, and Vazquez again made physical contact with her in an attempt to create space. See Wilson Depo. at 55:23; Motion SJ ¶ 26, at 3 (setting forth this fact); Vazquez Depo. at 62:12-17; Vazquez Depo. at 63:1-19; Response ¶ 26, at 5 (setting forth this fact).
PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Wilson and T. Chabot, filed the Complaint in the Second Judicial District, Bernalillo County, State of New Mexico, on July 15, 2010. See Complaint to Recover Damages for Deprivation of Civil Rights (dated July 15, 2010), filed August 25, 2010 (Doc. 1-1) (“Complaint”). She brought suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and alleges: (i) Arrest and Prosecution Without Probable Cause (Count I); (ii) Fourth Amendment Claim for Excessive Use of Force (Count II); and (iii) Fourth Amendment Claim for Warrantless Arrest in Home and Unlawful Entry Into Home (Count III). See Complaint ¶¶ 22-23, 28, 33, at 3-5. On August 25, 2011, the Defendants removed the case to federal court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 federal-question jurisdiction. See Notice of Removal ¶ 6, at 2, filed August 25, 2011 (Doc. 1). After removing the case, the Defendants filed Defendants’ Answer to Plaintiffs’ Complaint, filed August 26, 2011 (Doc. 6) (“Answer”). The Defendants denied the Plaintiffs’ claims, and asserted that: (i) they are entitled to qualified immunity; (ii) the Plaintiffs or third persons caused the Plaintiffs’ injuries; (iii) the arrest-without-warrant provision of N.M.S.A.1978, § 31-1-7 shields them from
On July 6, 2011, Wilson moved for summary judgment on Count III of her Complaint, in which she seeks damages as a result of an unlawful in-home detention and arrest. See Motion SJ at 1. Wilson alleges that the Defendants seized her in her home, acted in excess of their authority, conducted a search when they reached across the threshold of the Wilson home to arrest T. Chabot, and acted without probable cause. See Motion SJ at 4-7. On July 27, 2011, the Defendants responded and asserted qualified immunity as well as immunity under the Family Violence Protection Act. See Response at 11, 23. The Defendants argue that Jara and Vazquez’ actions constituted a threshold arrest, and not an unlawful entry. See Response at 12-15. The Defendants also contend that their request to Wilson was not a seizure, that they had probable cause to seize Wilson, and that there were exigent circumstances to enter the home. See Response at 12-23.
On October 4, 2011, the Court held a hearing on Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment. At the hearing, T. Chabot’s attorney informed the Court that T. Chabot is no longer pursuing his claims and that Wilson’s claims are the only claims remaining before the Court. See Transcript of Hearing at 39:10-16 (October 4, 2011) (Court, Kennedy) (“Tr.”).
The Defendants argued that the request that Wilson retrieve her son was not compulsory. See Tr. at 12:13-19 (Hoden). They assert that Wilson had an option “Ma'am if you don’t go get your son then we’ll go get your son” and that they had no intent to seize Wilson. Tr. at 12:13-19 (Hoden). The Defendants conceded that it is undisputed that Jara and Vazquez said “you either produce your son or we’re going to come in.” Tr. at 13:5-9 (Court,
The Defendants also disputed that a search occurred, arguing that a valid “threshold arrest” took place. Tr. 20:9-10 (Hoden). They asserted that, when an arrest is initiated at the doorway, even if it continues further into the home, it is valid. See Tr. at 20:15-21:4 (Court, Hoden). Although the Defendants agreed that the general rule is that a warrantless arrest cannot take place in a home even if there is probable cause, they asserted that, when a person comes to the door, and into public view, it is no longer considered an arrest in the home. See Tr. at 21:12-22:1 (Court, Hoden). The Defendants also contended that Payton v. New York, was distinguishable on its facts because there the police pried open the door to the home with a crowbar. See Tr. at 22:13-25 (Hoden).
Addressing Wilson’s arrest, the Defendants asserted that Wilson disregarded police orders, was in Jara’s face, and was “almost chesting her.” Tr. 24:12-20 (Ho-den). When asked to turn around so that Jara could arrest her, the Defendants argue that Wilson continued to resist and refused to turn around. See Tr. 24:18-20 (Hoden). The Defendants contended that there were officer safety issues which could create exigent circumstances, because this was a domestic violence call. See Tr. at 33:3-12, 34:4-9 (Court, Hoden). They also asserted that whether H. Chabot was returning to the apartment is a material fact which is disputed and goes to whether exigent circumstances exist. See Tr. at 34:21-35:1 (Hoden). Responding to a question whether a finding of an unconstitutional seizure would taint the arrest, the Defendants asserted that the standard is “whether she was reasonably protesting” and contended that it is unreasonable “to be physically grabbing at the officers ... she was doing this multiple times.” Tr. 24:21-25:12 (Court, Hoden). Finally, the Defendants argued that Wilson “is basically trying to argue ... the propriety of the Fourth Amendment rights of the son as opposed to her own rights.” Tr. 25:15-23 (Hoden).
Wilson asserts that the Defendants are requesting that the Court find an “open dоor exception” to the warrant requirement and that the caselaw does not support such a rule. Tr. at 27:6-14 (Kennedy). Arguing that there is a clearly established violation of Fourth Amendment rights in this case, Wilson distinguishes McKinnon v. Carr,
Because Wilson did not file a Reply in this case, the Court asked whether Wilson disputed the additional facts that the Defendants added in their response. See Tr. 36:24-37:2 (Kennedy). Wilson replied that she did not dispute the Defendants’ additional facts and did not consider -them material. See Tr. at 36:24-37:13 (Court, Kennedy).
LEGAL STANDARD FOR MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Rule 56(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure states that summary judgment “should be rendered if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials on file, and' any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c)(2). The movant bears the initial burden of “showing] that there is an absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Bacchus Indus., Inc. v. Arvin Indus., Inc.,
The party opposing a motion for summary judgment must “set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial as to those dispositive matters for which it carries the burden of proof.” Applied Genetics Int’l, Inc. v. First Affiliated Sec., Inc.,
Genuine factual issues must exist that “can be resolved only by a finder of fact because they may reasonably be resolved in favor of either party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. at 250,
When reviewing a motion for summary judgment, the court should keep in mind three principles. First, the court’s role is not to weigh the evidence, but to assess the threshold issue whether a genuine issue exists as to material facts requiring a trial. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. at 249,
LAW REGARDING 42 U.S.C. § 1983
Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code provides:
Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State ..., subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.
42 U.S.C. § 1983. Section 1983 creates only the right of action; it does not create any substantive rights; substantive rights must come from the United States Constitution or from federal statute. See Spielman v. Hildebrand,
must establish (1) a violation of rights protected by the federal Constitution or created by federal statute or regulation, (2) proximately caused (3) by the conduct of a “person” (4) who acted under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom[,] or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia.
Martinez v. Martinez, No. 09-0281,
Section 1983 provides a cause of action only for violations of a plaintiffs personal rights and not for the rights of someone else. See Archuleta v. McShan,
LAW REGARDING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY
Qualified immunity recognizes the “need to protect officials who are required to exercise their discretion and the related public interest in encouraging the vigorous exercise of official authority.” Harlow v. Fitzgerald,
Qualified immunity shields government officials from liability where “their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.” Pearson v. Callahan,
In evaluating whether the right was clearly established, the court considers whether the right was sufficiently clear that a reasonable government employee in the defendant’s shoes would understand that what he did violated that right. See Casey v. W. Las Vegas Indep. Sch. Dist.,
The Supreme Court recently revisited the proper procedure for lower courts to evaluate a qualified-immunity defense. In Pearson v. Callahan, the Supreme Court held that lower courts “should be permitted to exercise their sound discretion in deciding which of the two prongs of the qualified immunity analysis should be addressed first in light of the circumstances of the particular case at hand.”
LAW REGARDING THE FOURTH AMENDMENT
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution “protects ‘[t]he right of
1. Requirements for Fourth Amendment Seizures and Arrests.
For purposes of analyzing Fourth Amendment seizures, the Tenth Circuit has divided interactions between police and citizens into three categories: (i) consensual encounters; (ii) investigative stops; and (in) arrests. See Oliver v. Woods,
a. Requirements for Seizures.
In United States v. Reeves,
[T]he officers’ actions were effectively a command to open the door. The record demonstrates that three officers pounded on Reeves’ door and window while yelling and loudly identifying themselves as police officers. They continued this conduct consistently for at least twenty minutes. This encounter began between 2:30 and 3:00 in the morning, a time which must be taken into consideration when analyzing the coerciveness of the encounter.
United States v. Reeves,
The Court, in Smith v. Kenny,
In United States v. Reeves, the Tenth Circuit cited with approval a case from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In that case, United States v. Al-Azzawy,
The Tenth Circuit in United States v. Reeves also cited with approval United States v. Morgan,
[T]he record provides ample proof that, as a practical matter, Morgan was under arrest as soon as the police surrounded the Morgan home, and therefore, the arrest violated Payton because no warrant had been secured. The police show of force and authority was such that a reasonable person would have believed he was not free to leave.
In United States v. Johnson,
The Supreme Court has found “a person has been seized within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment only if, in view of all of the circumstances surrounding the incident, a reasonable person would have believed he was not free to leave.” United States v. Mendenhall,
In situations where the individual could not or would not wish to leave, even absent the police presence, “the appropriate inquiry is whether a reasonable person would feel free to decline the officers’ requests or otherwise terminate the encounter.” Florida v. Bostick,501 U.S. 429 , 436,111 S.Ct. 2382 ,115 L.Ed.2d 389 ... (1991). Circumstances that indicate a seizure include: “the threatening presence of several officers, the display of a weapon by an officer, some physical touching of the person of the citizen, or the use of language or tone of voice indicating that compliance with the officer’s request might be compelled.” [United States v.] Mendenhall, 446 U.S. [544,] 554,100 S.Ct. 1870 ,64 L.Ed.2d 497 ... [(1980)]; [United States v.] Maez, 872 F.2d [1444,] 1450 [ (1989) ].
United States v. Reeves,
b. Requirements for an Arrest.
Probable cause must support an arrest, “characterized by highly intrusive or lengthy search or detention.” Oliver v. Woods,
Reasonable suspicion is a less demanding standard than probable cause not only in the sense that reasonable suspicion can be established with information that is different in quantity or content than that required to establish probable cause, but also in the sense that reasonable suspicion can arise from information that is less reliable than thаt required to show probable cause.
Alabama v. White,
Probable cause is measured against an objective standard. See Beck v. Ohio,
2. Requirements for Fourth Amendment Searches.
“[T]he Fourth Amendment protects people, not places,” and the Supreme Court has vigorously asserted that the proper analysis under the Fourth Amendment is not whether the place searched is a “constitutionally protected area.” Katz v. United States,
There is no doubt, however, that a citizen has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and a particularly strong one, in his own home. The “chief evil” from which the Fourth Amendment protects citizens is unwanted police entry into the home, and the “principal protection” is “the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement.” United States v. Thompson,
a. Warrantless Searches: Limited Fourth-Amendment Exceptions.
Not all searches require a warrant. The Supreme Court has instructed that, when assessing the reasonableness of a warrantless search, a court must begin “with the basic rule that ‘searches conducted outside the judicial process, without prior approval by judge or magistrate, are per se unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment — subject only to a few specifically established and well-delineated exceptions.’ ” Arizona v. Gant,
“One exception to the warrant requirement is when police reasonably believe an emergency exists that makes it infeasible to obtain a warrant.” United States v. Gambino-Zavala,
In such emergency-aid situations, the Tenth Circuit employs a two-pronged test to determine whether emergency circumstances justify a warrantless entry into a home, which examines: “whether (1) the officers have an objectively reasonable basis to believe there is an immediate need to protect the lives or safety of themselves or others, and (2) the manner and scope of the search is reasonable.” United States v. Najar, 451 F.3d at 717-18. A court is “guided by the realities of the situation presented by the record,” and should consider the facts from the viewpoint of “prudent, cautious, and trained officers.” United States v. Porter,
3. Fourth-Amendment Protections and the “Threshold” of a Home.
A warrantless arrest of an individual in a public place upon probable cause does not violate the Fourth Amendment. See United States v. Watson,
The Tenth Circuit, in McKinnon v. Carr,
When an individual does not voluntarily come to the door, however, the Tenth Circuit has distinguished McKinnon v. Carr. In United States v. Flowers,
ANALYSIS
The Court will grant Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment in part. Jara and Vazquez violated her Fourth Amendment rights when they seized her person in her home. The Court cannot reasonably determine as a matter of law, however, that the Defendants violated Wilson’s Fourth Amendment rights when they reached across the threshold, or when they arrested her for resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. The Court concludes that factual disputes, and rule 56’s requirement that all inferences and doubts be resolved in favor of the non-moving party, counsel that the Court should deny Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment on all other claims alleged in Count III of the Complaint. The Court also finds that New Mexico’s
I. THE COURT WILL GRANT WIL- . SON’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN PART, BECAUSE THE DEFENDANTS VIOLATED WILSON’S FOURTH-AMENDMENT RIGHTS WHEN THEY SEIZED HER PERSON.
Jara and Vazquez’ order to “go get your son” constituted a seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment. The Court cannot, however, determine on the facts presented whether breaching the threshold of the apartment to reach T. Chabot constituted a search of Wilson’s home in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Moreover, the Court cannot reasonably hold, as a matter of law, that Jara and Vazquez lacked probable cause to arrest Wilson.
A. THE ORDER TO “GO GET YOUR SON” CONSTITUTED A SEIZURE IN VIOLATION OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT.
A Fourth Amendment seizure may take place even when a police officer does not physically restrain the citizen, or even make physical contact with him or her. See Florida v. Bostick,
Officers seize a person when an officer attempts to assert his or her official authority over a citizen, and the citizen does not feel that he or she is at liberty to disregard that authority. See Florida v. Bostick,
The undisputed facts indicate that Jara and Vazquez knocked on Wilson’s door, and asked to speak to T. Chabot. See Motion SJ ¶ 8, 11, at 2; Response at 2. Wilson refused, and the officers continued to converse with Wilson at the threshold of her home. See Jara’s Belt Tape at 2:1~5:8. During that conversation, Jara told Wilson: “I am having a problem with you ma’am,” and “you aren’t abiding by the law.” Jara’s Belt Tape at 5:9-17. Shortly thereafter, Jara ordered Wilson to “go get your son,” and Vazquez said that, if she did not “we’re going to go in there.” Jara’s Belt Tape at 6:8-10. Jara repeated that: “We go in there and talk to him, find out his side of the story and (inaudible) or
Wilson argues that when Jara and Vazquez ordered her to retrieve T. Chabot, she was seized in violation of the Fourth Amendment. See Motion SJ at 4. The Defendants argue that this was not a seizure, because Wilson was not a suspect and because “the Defendants’ request allowed Plaintiff Wilson the option not to comply.” Response at 18. The Defendants further assert that this case is similar to United States v. Johnson,
Here, the order “go get your son” is a show of authority, similar to the order in United States v. Flowers to “open the door.”
The Court looks to the surrounding circumstances to determine whether a reasonable person would feel free to terminate this encounter. See United States v. Mendenhall,
The Court notes that the Tenth Circuit has found a seizure where the police officers’ show of authority was even less di
This encounter went beyond the limits of a consensual “knock and talk” encounter. United States v. Cruz-Mendez,
The Defendants contend that a reasonable person would have felt free to terminate the counter, because Wilson “could terminate her contact at any time by letting the Defendants deal directly with her son,” Response at 18, and that “she could have told them, ‘go away’ and closed the door,” Tr. at 18:16-17 (Hoden). The question is not whether Wilson could have told the officers to go away, and ‘there is evi
Jara and Vazquez’ statements convey two different concepts to the listener. The first concept is the order to “go get your son,” which Tenth Circuit precedent establishes is a show of authority and could be sufficient to effect a seizure. See United States v. Flowers,
The Defendants further contend that, looking at the totality of the circumstances, Wilson “felt she had the right to, obviously, argue with police, because she continued to do it” and that she was free to terminate the encounter. Tr. at 18:25-19:8 (Hoden). The Supreme Court has held that a police officer’s show of authority does not constitute a seizure unless the person actually submits. See California v. Hodari D.,
Jara and Vazquez had no warrant, and no cause to support a seizure of Wilson. Accordingly, their actions constitute an unconstitutional seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment. For Wilson to avoid the Defendants’ qualified immunity defense, the Court must also find that the right to be free from seizure in one’s home in the absence of a warrant was clearly established as of August 16, 2007, such that a reasonable officer would have known of it. See Overdorff v. Harrington,
At the moment Wilson submitted to Jara and Vazquez’ order, retrieving T. Chabot from his bedroom, she was seized in violation of her Fourth Amendment rights. The right to be free from a warrantless seizure within one’s home is clearly established, and Jara and Vazquez are not entitled to qualified immunity. Because the
B. THE COURT CANNOT DETERMINE ON THE FACTS PRESENTED THAT BREACHING THE “THRESHOLD” OF THE APARTMENT TO REACH T. CHABOT CONSTITUTED A SEARCH OF WILSON’S HOME IN VIOLATION OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT.
Wilson argues that the Defendants “acted in excess of their authority as police officers when they unlawfully crossed the threshold of the Wilson home and reached in to arrest T. Chabot.” Motion SJ at 6. The Defendants counter that the threshold was considered to be a public space, which does not require probable cause, and that Payton v. New York is inapplicable because there the officers broke into the plaintiffs home. See Response at 12-14.
The Tenth Circuit draws a distinction between cases where the an individual comes to the threshold of the door voluntarily and cases where an individual is compelled to come to the door. Compare McKinnon v. Carr,
If the Court were to extend McKinnon v. Carr to allow police to cross the threshold when an individual is illegally seized, the individual is not free to terminate the encounter, and there is no probable cause to arrest that individual, then the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens would be severely compromised. McKinnon v. Carr properly applies when an individual is voluntarily at the door and when the police have probable cause to conduct a warrant-less arrest. See
Jara and Vazquez had no authority to execute a warrantless arrest of Wilson,
The Court notes, however, that if T. Chabot did not appear at the door voluntarily — which is likely the ease — then Jara and Vazquez’ actions would constitute an unconstitutional search. A “police officer’s mere entry or trespass into a home without consent is enough to constitute a search, often referred to in the case law as ‘unlawful entry.’ ” Reeves v. Churchich,
Exigent circumstances would not justify a search of Wilson’s home, if the threshold arrest was invalid. The Tenth Circuit employs a two-part exigent-circumstances test looking at whether: (i) the officers have an objectively reasonable basis to believe that there is an immediate need to protect the lives or safety of themselves or others and (ii) the manner and scope of search is reasonable. United States v. Najar,
C. THE COURT WILL NOT HOLD, AS A MATTER OF LAW, THAT THE DEFENDANTS LACKED PROBABLE CAUSE TO ARREST WILSON.
Wilson argues that her assertion of her constitutional rights did not rise to the crime of “resisting a police officer.” Motion SJ at 7. Additionally, Wilson asserts that a person may resist a police officer’s unlawful exercise of authority. See Motion SJ at 8-9. The Defendants argue that their actions were initially lawful, because they had authority to reach across the threshold, and that Wilson’s actions were not reasonable. See Response at 16-17.
The Court cannot assess the reasonableness of Wilson’s conduct without determining whether Jara and Vazquez lawfully reached across the threshold of her home and arrested T. Chabot. There is a factual dispute regarding the contact between Vazquez and Wilson, as well as about the chronology, whether Vazquez entered the apartment or Wilson grabbed first. See Motion SJ ¶¶ 23, 26, at 4-5; Response ¶ 23, 24, at 5. Wilson contends that she grabbed Vazquez after he entered the apartment and that he pushed her off of him. See Motion SJ ¶¶ 22-24, at 3. The Defendants assert that “Plaintiff Wilson stood in front of Plaintiff Chabot and grabbed Defendant Vazquez’ arm, then Plaintiff Chabot pulled back deeper into the apartment.” Response ¶ 23, at 4. Wilson asserts that Vazquez pushed her, while the Defendants contend that Vazquez was attempting to create space for safety purposes. See Motion SJ ¶ 26, at 3; Response ¶ 26, at 5. These versions of events are materially different, and go to the reasonableness of Wilson’s subsequent actions.
Under the Defendants’ version of the facts, Jara and Vazquez were lawfully arresting T. Chabot, when Wilson grabbed Vazquez and stepped in front of T. Chabot, blocking Jara and Vazquez. See Response at 17. Wilson aggressively pulled at Vazquez’ arm and attempted to interfere with the arrest. See Response at 17. When Jara ordered Wilson to stay upstairs, Wilson disobeyed the order and again physically interfered with T. Chabot’s arrest. See Response at 17. Wilson disturbed her neighbors and created a scene. See Response at 17. Construing the facts in this light, Jara and Vazquez might have had probable cause to arrest Wilson. See N.M.S.A.1978, § 30-22-ID (Resisting, evading or obstructing an officer consists of: “Resisting or abusing any judge, magistrate or peace officer in the lawful discharge of his duties.”). Because the Court must resolve all reasоnable inferences and doubts in favor of the non-moving party, the Court will not find that there was no probable cause to arrest Wilson for resisting arrest or obstruction, and will deny the motion for summary judgment as to this issue. See Hunt v. Cromartie,
II. THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT DOES NOT PRECLUDE CIVIL LIABILITY UNDER § 1983.
The Defendants argue that “[o]fficers responding to a domestic violence call
Pursuant to the Supremacy Clause, state laws that are incompatible with duly passed federal laws must give way. See Am. Ass’n of People with Disabilities v. Herrera,
IT IS ORDERED that Plaintiff Martha Wilson’s Motion for Summary Judgment, filed July 6, 2011 (Doc. 31), is granted in part and denied in part. The Motion for Summary Judgment is granted as to the claim that Wilson was unconstitutionally seized in her home; on all other claims within Count III, of the Complaint to Recover Damages for Deprivation of Civil Rights (dated July 15, 2010), filed August 25, 2010 (Doc. 1-1), the Motion for Summary Judgment is denied.
Notes
. At the October 4, 2011 hearing, Wilson conceded that she did not dispute the additional facts that the Defendants set forth in their Response. See Transcript of Hearing at 36:24-37:3 (October 4, 2011) (Court, Kennedy) ("Tr.”). Wilson also stated, however, that she did not consider the Defendants’ additions to be material facts. See Tr. at 37:9-13 (Kennedy).
. Wilson did not file a Reply motion. Pursuant to D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b): "The Reply must contain a concise statement of those facts set forth in the Response which the movant disputes.... All material facts set forth in the Response will be deemed undisputed unless specifically controverted.” D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b). Additionally, during the hearing, Wilson conceded that she does not dispute any of the Defendants’ additional facts and considers them immaterial. See Tr. 36:24-37:13 (Court, Kennedy). The Court will therefore deem all the additional facts set forth in the Response admitted.
. Wilson asserts that the “officers knew” that H. Chabot did not intend to return home. See Vazquez Depo. at 26:8-13; Motion SJ ¶ 7, at 2 (setting forth this fact). The Defendants dispute this assertion, stating that Vazquez guessed that H. Chabot was going to return home while Jara did not recall. See Response ¶ 7, at 2. Jara did not recall whether H. Chabot planned on returning home. See Jara Depo. 38:23-25 ("Q. Okay. Did she tell you what she was going to do that night? A. She might have. I don't remember.”). The Defendants have specifically controverted this statement as it relates to Jara. The Defendants rеfer the Court to Vazquez’ deposition, where counsel questioned him about where H. Chabot was going to stay:
Q. All right. Did you receive any information from Officer Jara prior to going to the apartment of Timothy Chabot as to whether Haley Chabot intended to stay at that apartment that night, or was she intending to stay somewhere else?.
A. If I recall, she was going somewhere else.
Q. All right. So it's fair to say that prior to approaching the apartment of Timothy Chabot, that you had knowledge that Haley Chabot was going-was intending to stay at another residence.
A. Yes.
Vazquez Depo. at 26:3-13. In the deposition, Vazquez stated that he remembered that H. Chabot "was going somewhere else.” Vazquez Depo. at 26:3-13. Nothing in that portion of the deposition suggests that Vazquez was unsure or guessing. The Defendants did not direct the Court’s attention to any evidence that controverts the assertion that Vazquez knew that H. Chabot was staying elsewhere. The Court will therefore deem Wilson's assertion partially admitted. D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b) states:
The Response must contain a concise statement of the material facts cited by the movant as to which the non-movant contends a genuine issue does not exist. Each fact in dispute must be numbered, must refer with particularity to those portions of the record upon which the non-movant relies, and must state the number of the movant’s fact that is disputed. All material facts set forth in the Memorandum will be deemed undisputed unless specifically controverted.
D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b) (emphasis added).
. Wilson asserts that she answered the door and explained to Jara and Vazquez that H. Chabot had a male friend over and that he argued with T. Chabot. See Wilson Depo. at 44:2-5 (setting forth this fact). The Defendants dispute part of this fact and assert that Wilson did not tell Defendants that a male friend at the house argued with T. Chabot, but that the encounter had "escalated into a fight.” See Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:2-8; Response ¶ 12, at 2; Response ¶ K, at 8. To dispute this fact, the Defendants rely on Jara's Belt Tape, in which Wilson says: "My daughter had a boy here ... And the kid callеd my son a name and that escalated into a fight.” Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:2-4. Because the Belt Tape contains the exact quote of what Wilson said, the Defendants — the non-moving party— have thus controverted Wilson’s assertion that there was an argument, and the Court will modify Wilson's asserted fact to include Wilson’s exact statement.
. Wilson asserts that she told Jara and Vazquez that she did not want them to talk to her son. See Wilson Depo. at 36:13-20; Motion SJ ¶ 12, at 2 (setting forth this fact); Response ¶ 12, at 2 (disputing this fact). Jara’s Belt Tape demonstrates that the officers and Wilson had the following exchanges:
Male Voice: Well, we need to talk to your son, ma’am.
Female Voice: He’s in bed.
Female Voice: So do you have any (inaudible) is fine. He's in bed now and she left.
Officer Jara: — I am having a problem with you ma’am.
Female Voice: And he's in bed.
Female Voice: He’s in his room. He's not doing anything right now.
Jara's Belt Tape at 3:10-11, 4:1-2, 5:10-1, 6:15-16. Because the Belt Tape recorded the exact conversation between the officers and Wilson, the Defendants have controverted Wilson's assertion that she told Jara and Vazquez she did not want them to speak to T. Chabot and the Court will modify Wilson's asserted fact to include Wilson’s exact statement. Again, the Court must construe the facts in a manner most favorable to the Defendants, the non-moving party. See Hunt v. Cromartie,
. The Defendants dispute the sequence in which Wilson suggests Jara and Vazquez ordered Wilson to go get her son or they would go get him. See Response ¶ 13, at 2-3. The Defendants assert that, instead, the Defendants requested to speak to Wilson's son multiple times while she continually argued with Jara and Vazquez until, eventually Jara and Vazquez asked that she retrieve her son or they would come in and get him. See Response ¶ 13, at 2-3. The Court has admitted several of the Defendants' Additional Material Facts, which alter the sequence of events. The Defendants do not dispute the substance of Wilson’s asserted fact, and the Defendants assert a similar fact in their additional facts. See Response ¶ 13, at 2-3; Response ¶ O, at 8 ("Plaintiff Wilson continues to refuse to go get her son, to which Officer Jara tells her to go get her son, and Officer Vazquez adds that they would have to go in there to go get him.”). Because the Court admitted additional facts which address this dispute, and because the Defendants do not dispute the substance of Wilson’s asserted fact, the Court will deem Wilson’s asserted fact admitted. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b).
. The Defendants dispute this fact, because Wilson never told Jara and Vazquez that she did not feel free to terminate the encounter and assert that, under United States v. Abdenbi,
. Wilson asserts that the door to her apartment was left open so that the Defendants could watch her. See Jara Depo. at 49:15-18; Response ¶ 16, at 3. The Defendants dispute that there is any evidence suggesting the rea
Q: Did — do you recall whether Ms. Wilson closed the door or left the door open when she went back to get Timothy?
A: I don’t remember. I know that she didn’t close the door because we could still see in the front room, and we wouldn’t have let her do that — or I wouldn’t have. I’m not going to speak for Officer Vazquez.
Jara Depo. at 49:12-18. The Defendants are correct; the evidence does not support Wilson’s assertion that the door was left open so that the Defendants could watch Wilson. The Court, therefore, will modify Wilson's asserted fact.
. The Defendants dispute this fact, asserting that Wilson voluntarily left the door open and that there was no discussion between the parties that the door had to remain open. See Wilson Depo. at 49:9-18; Jara’s Belt Tape at 3:1-7:25; Response ¶ 15, at 3. What Wilson asserts, however, is not that she was coerced into leaving the door open, but that, had she tried, Jara would not have permitted her to do so. See Motion SJ ¶ 15, at 2. In her deposition, Jara stated: "I know she didn’t close the door because we could still see in the front room, and we wouldn’t have let her do that— or I wouldn't have.” Jara Depo. at 49: 15-18. When asked directly whether Jara would have let Wilson close the door to terminate the encounter, Jara responded: "No, I wouldn’t have.” Tr. at 50: 2-4. The Defendants’ evidence does not controvert Wilson’s asserted fact. Because the Defendants have not directed the Court’s attention to evidence controverting Wilson’s asserted fact, the Court will deem Wilson’s asserted fact admitted. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b).
. Wilson’s full assertion is that T. Chabot came to the area around the interior of the open door and explained that he was in a dispute with his sister’s friend, but that he did not do anything. See Motion SJ ¶ 17, at 8. The Defendants dispute this fact and assert that T. Chabot came up to the doorframe. See Response ¶ 17, at 3 (citing Jara Depo. at 53:16-18). The Defendants also dispute that T. Chabot attempted to explain his actions when he initially approached Jara and Vazquez. See Response ¶ 17, at 3 (citing Jara’s Belt Tape 7:14-23). In Jara’s deposition, she answered several questions about where T. Chabot was standing in relation to the door.
Q: So I guess at some point Timothy
comes out towards the door. Is that fair? A: Yes.
Q: Does he ever walk out of the apartment?
A: No.
Q: Or initially, anyways?
A: No.
Q: Where does he come to rest or sit or stand?
A: Stand.
Q: And where does he stand in relationship to the door or the threshold of the door?
A: Just behind the frame of the door.
Jara Depo. at 53:7-18. The Defendants' cited portions of the deposition do not specifically controvert that T. Chabot was standing in the area around the open door’s interior, nor does this evidence establish that T. Chabot was standing in the doorframe. Jara’s deposition testimony states that T. Chabot was inside the apartment "behind the frame of the door,” not that he was in the doorframe. Jara Depo. at 53:16-18. The Defendants also attempt to establish that T. Chabot was in the doorframe in the additional material facts, and point the Court to another portion of Jara's deposition and to Vazquez' deposition. See Response ¶ S, at 9; Deposition of Jennifer Jara at 54:1 (taken June 9, 2011), filed July 27, 2011 (Doc. 38-10) ("Jara Depo.”); Vazquez Depo. at 46:1-7. In this portion of the deposition, Jara is asked: "Okay. When he first comes out, do you recall where Ms. Wilson [sic] stands?” Jara Depo. at 53:24-25. Jara responds: "They are both in the same — in the door frame.” Jara Depo. at 54:1. In Vazquez' deposition, when asked a similar question, Vazquez states: "I'm saying he was right there at the door frame. I don’t know how — .” Vazquez Depo. at 46:6-7. Vazquez also agrees that it would be fair to say that T. Chabot came right up to the door
. The Defendants dispute this fact. The substance of their dispute is over the timing of the request. See Response ¶ 18, at 3 (citing Jara’s Belt Tape at 7:14-23). Because the Court already determined that T. Chabot did not attempt to explain anything upon coming to the door, there is nothing in this factual assertion that the Defendants still dispute. The Court will deem this fact admitted, because the Defendants do not specifically controvert it. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b).
. Wilson asserts that T. Chabot said he would not go downstairs. See Motion SJ ¶ 19, at 3 (citing Vazquez Depo. at 51:1-5). The Defendants dispute this statement, assert that T. Chabot did not tell Jara and Vazquez that he would not go downstairs, and argue that it was Wilson who told T. Chabot he did not have to go downstairs. See Response ¶ 19, at 4. In his deposition, Vazquez answers several questions about how T. Chabot responded to Jara and Vazquez’ request:
Q: What happens after that?
A: I believe we were still trying to talk to
Timothy to come down with us and talk to us.
Q: Okay. And does he voluntarily go outside?
A: No he does not.
Vazquez Depo. at 51:1-5. The Defendants are correct that T. Chabot did not say that he would not go downstairs. See Jara’s Belt Tape 7:14-23. Vazquez' deposition indicates, however, that T. Chabot was not voluntarily heading downstairs, which is what the Defendants' alternative facts suggest. See Response ¶¶ T-U, at 9. The Court will therefore modify Wilson's asserted fact to address the Defendants’ dispute.
. The Defendants dispute this fact and assert that Wilson left out important information about the sequence of events. See Response ¶ 20, at 4. The Defendants do not dispute the substance of the asserted fact. Because the Court has included many of the Defendants’ additional material facts, it has addressed the Defendants’ sequence of events concern. Because the Defendants do not specifically controvert the asserted fact, the Court will deem Wilson’s asserted fact, that the Defendants ordered T. Chabot downstairs and gave him no choice but to obey, is deemed admitted. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b).
. Wilson asserts that T. Chabot stepped deeper into the apartment and then the Defendants reached across the threshold. See Motion SJ ¶¶ 21-22, at 3. The Defendants dispute the sequence of these events and assert that they reached across the threshold before T. Chabot stepped backwards further into the apartment. See Response ¶¶ 21-22, at 4. In Wilson’s deposition, the following exchange occurred:
Q: Did the officers respond to that?
A: They just said, you know, "Stop interfering.” They demanded that he come out of the apartment.
Q: So did Tim step out at all?
A: No. Tim didn't step out. He backed up further and told them that he didn't feel comfortable talking to them downstairs.
Q: So when Tim backed up, what happened?
A: They entered the apartment.
Wilson Depo. at 50:4-10, 17-18. In the Jara and Vazquez depositions that the Defendants cite, however, the order seems to be reversed. Vazquez stated that, "[a]s I grabbed Timothy to escort him out, Timothy pulls back, pulling us both back into the apartment....” Vazquez Depo. at 57:24-25. See also Vazquez Depo. at 58:1-12. In Jara’s deposition, there was also a discussion of the sequence of events:
A: [I]n essence we[’]re pulling him out of the apartment — not pulling, but escorting, I will say, and then that’s when she went hands on with Officer Vazquez. We all ended up in the apartment because I remember Timothy pulling back, and then Officer Vazquez dealing with him, and then the couch being right there—
Q: But you reached into the apartment?
A: Correct.
Q: And because Timothy was in the apartment?
A: Yes
Jara Depo. at 71:21-72:2, 72:14-17. Given the inconsistencies in the testimony about the sequence of events, the Court believes that there is a factual issue whether T. Chabot stepped back first, or whether Jara and Vazquez reached first. Because the Court must construe the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, the Court will accept as true, for purposes of this motion, the assertion that Jаra and Vazquez reached for T. Chabot, and then he stepped back further into the apartment. See Hunt v. Cromartie,
. The Defendants dispute this fact, and assert that Wilson stood in front of Chabot as Jara and Vazquez reached for him, that Wilson grabbed Vazquez’ arm, and that T. Chabot then pulled Jara and Vazquez involuntarily into the apartment. See Response 1ÍV 23, W, at 4, 9. Wilson cites to Vazquez’ deposition, where he states: "As I grabbed Timothy to escort him out, Timothy pulls back, pulling us both into the apartment, and during that time, Martha Wilson had grabbed my arm.” Vazquez Depo. at 57:24-58:2. The Defendants cite Jara’s deposition, where she states that while they were escorting T. Chabot out of the apartment, Wilson grabbed Vazquez, and "[w]e all ended up in the apartment because I remember Timothy pulling back.” Jara Depo. at 71: 21-25. Although Vazquez states that Wilson grabbed his arm while T. Chabot was pulling back, Jara does not give a clear indication of the chronology of when they were pulled into the apartment. Given the inconsistencies in the deposition testimony, the Court believes that there is a factual issue about the chronology of this contact. Because the Court must construe the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, the Court will accept as true the Defendants’ assertion that Wilson grabbed Vazquez first. See Hunt v. Cromartie,
. Wilson asserts that Vazquez pushed her away. See Motion SJ ¶ 24, at 3 (citing Vazquez Depo. at 62:12-17). The Defendants dispute the characterization of this contact as a push. See Response ¶ 24, at 5 (citing
. The Defendants dispute that Wilson objected tо their entry into her apartment and cite to Jara’s Belt Tape. See Response ¶ 25, at 5 (citing Jara's Belt Tape at 7:14-8:15). In this section of the recording, there are several moments at which the female voice, Wilson, says something inaudible. See Jara’s Belt Tape at 8:6-21. At one point on the recording, Wilson says: "Don’t you dare (inaudible).’’ Jara’s Belt Tape at 8:16-17. The Defendants did not point to any deposition testimony or affidavits stating that Wilson did not object to Jara and Vazquez’ entry into her home. Because there are inaudible portions of the tape, the Court cannot say that the Defendants specifically controverted Wilson’s assertion that she objected; the Court will deem the asserted fact admitted. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1.
. Wilson asserts that Vazquez admitted that, when the officers threatened to go into the home to get T. Chabot, they had no legal basis to do so. See Motion SJ ¶ 28, at 3 (citing Vazquez Depo. at 39:13-22, 45:10-13). The Defendants dispute this assertion, and state that Jara and Vazquez believed that they had a legal basis to enter the home. See Response ¶ 28, at 5-6 (citing Vazquez Depo. at 54:19-55:2, 80:1-81:25, 84:1-10, 85:22-25; Jara Depo. at 41:10-24, 43:1-49:11). In the deposition, Vazquez initially agreed that, given the factual situation confronting him, he had no legal right to enter the apartment and retrieve T. Chabot, but later stated that he believed that the New Mexico Family Violence Protection Act, N.M.S.A.1978, § 40-13-7, gave him the authority to enter the apartment. See Vazquez Depo. at 39:13-22, 45:10-13; Vazquez Depo. at 80:1-81:25, 84:1-10, 85:22-25. Given the inconsistencies in Vazquez’ testimony, the Court concludes that there is a factual issue whether Vazquez believed that he had a legal basis to enter the apartment. Although the factual dispute results from inconsistencies in the deposition testimony of the non-moving party, the "testimony reflects confusion” rather than a motive to create an issue of fact so as to avoid summary judgment. Am. Commerce Ins. Co. v. Bachicha,
. Wilson again asserts that Vazquez pushed her. See Motion SJ ¶ 26, at 5. The Defendants dispute the characterization of this contact as a push. See Response ¶ 24, at 5. The Jara and Vazquez depositions cited by the Defendants demonstrate that Wilson grabbed Vazquez first and then Vazquez made contact with Wilson. See Vazquez Depo. at 62:12-14; Jara Depo. at 63:1-19. Given the inconsistencies in the testimony between Wilson and the Defendants, the Court believes that there is be a factual issue whether Vazquez pushed Wilson. Because the Court must construe the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, the Court will accept as true, for purposes of this motion, the Defendants' assertion that Vazquez was attempting to create space after Wilson grabbed him. See Hunt v. Cromartie,
. The Defendants dispute this statement and assert that Wilson does not follow the correct sequence of events. The Court has, however, deemed admitted the Defendants’ additional material facts, and the Defendants' additional facts correct any perceived defect in chronology. Because the Defendants do not object to the substance of the asserted statement or direct the court to any evidence controverting the statement, the Court will deem the statement admitted. See D.N.M.LR-Civ. 56.1(b).
. The Court's citations to the transcript of the hearing refer to the court reporter’s original, unedited version. Any finalized transcript may contain slightly different page and/or line numbers.