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Lyon v. Thurston County et al.

Fourth AmendmentMonell

The case asserts constitutional claims against state and county officials concerning the investigation, search, seizure, and arrest of Levi Lyon and his property without a valid search warrant.

Active on Appeal The district court granted summary judgment to the defendants and dismissed the action with prejudice. Lyon appealed, and the case is now pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as Appeal No. 25-887.

Overview

Levi Lyon and Lyon Pride Music brought this federal civil-rights action arising from a Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board investigation that resulted in Lyon’s arrest and the seizure of property. The action challenges the investigation, search, seizure, arrest, and related forfeiture proceedings under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and other claims.

Why This Case Matters

Lyon v. Thurston County et al raises questions concerning constitutional protections during government investigations, arrests, searches, seizures, and civil forfeiture proceedings. The action includes claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and challenges the conduct of state and county actors arising from a 2019 investigation and seizure of property pursuant to a search warrant, which contained no affidavit.

Case Timeline

Showing latest 6 entries
Earlier case history 6 earlier entries
  1. BackgroundWashington State Liquor and Cannabis Board officers conducted an investigation of Levi Lyon that culminated in his arrest and the seizure of personal property, however the search warrant that was issued lacked an affidavit.
  2. Wash. StatePlaintiffs filed their civil-rights complaint in Pierce County Superior Court.
  3. W.D. Wash.State Defendants removed the case to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.
  4. W.D. Wash.District Court granted summary judgment to the Thurston County Defendants and denied Plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment.
  5. W.D. Wash.District Court granted summary judgment to the remaining State Defendants and dismissed the action with prejudice.
  6. W.D. Wash.Levi Lyon filed a notice of appeal.
  1. 9th Cir.Ninth Circuit opened Appeal No. 25-887.
  2. 9th Cir.Court granted prior counsel’s motion to withdraw and reflected that Lyon would proceed pro se.
  3. 9th Cir.Lyon submitted his reply brief and excerpts of record.
  4. 9th Cir.Ninth Circuit accepted Lyon’s reply brief and excerpts of record after granting a short extension.
  5. 9th Cir.Ninth Circuit notified the parties that the appeal is being considered for an upcoming Seattle oral-argument calendar beginning in November 2026 or later.
  6. 9th Cir.Appeal No. 25-887 remains pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Key Documents

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