Kansas Supreme Court makes license plate visibility ruling

KANSAS (KSNT) - A man who was found guilty in Geary County on drug and interference with law enforcement charges had his case decision reversed after a Kansas Supreme Court ruling determined that obstructing the state name on a license plate doesn't give law enforcement reasonable suspicion.

A man was driving on I-70 in Geary County when he was pulled over for having a partially obstructed license plate by a car dealer's frame, according to a press release from the Kansas Supreme Court. During the stop, deputies with the Geary County Sheriff's Office said the man exhibited suspicious behavior. Deputies searching his vehicle found methamphetamine. The man attempted to drive away from law enforcement but was stopped and taken into custody.

The man moved to suppress the methamphetamine finding, claiming that deputies didn't have reasonable suspicion to search his car. The case went to the Geary County Court where it was denied. Beck was found guilty on the following charges in 2023 and sentenced to 12 years:

• Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; > kilogram.
• No drug tax stamp payment for marijuana or controlled substance.
• Interference with law enforcement officers.

Beck appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, which granted a review. The Kansas Supreme Court reversed the district court's decision, ruling that obstructing the state name on a license plate does not provide reasonable suspicion for a stop. The case was remanded for a new hearing.

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