Opinion ID: 778714
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: alleged governmental suppression of favorable evidence

Text: 14 Next, Hernandez argues that the government suppressed evidence favorable to him in violation of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S.Ct. 1194, 10 L.Ed.2d 215 (1963), and that the trial court erred when it determined no such violation had occurred. To prove a Brady violation, a defendant must show that the prosecution suppressed the evidence, the evidence was favorable to the accused, and the evidence was material to the issue of guilt or punishment. United States v. Duke, 50 F.3d 571, 577 (8th Cir.1995). Evidence is material if there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the proceeding would have been different if the evidence had been disclosed. Kyles v. Whitley, 514 U.S. 419, 433-34, 115 S.Ct. 1555, 131 L.Ed.2d 490 (1995). A reasonable probability is one that is sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome of the proceeding. Clemmons v. Delo, 124 F.3d 944, 949 (8th Cir.1997). 15 Hernandez contends that after the car driven by Tucker and registered in her name was searched and drugs were located, Tucker advised the officer that Hernandez had an ownership interest in the car. He therefore argues that when the government opposed his motion to suppress based on Hernandez having no ownership interest in the car and, therefore, no standing to challenge the search, the government improperly withheld information as to the officer's knowledge of Hernandez' ownership interest. We need not parse this argument too deeply because Hernandez has shown no reasonable probability that the outcome of the motion to suppress hearing would have been different had the officer's knowledge been revealed. Tucker initially gave an officer consent to search the passenger compartment and, given that she was driving the vehicle and that it was registered in her name, the officer was justified in relying upon her consent. During that search, the officer arguably obtained probable cause to search the vehicle further when he located marijuana seeds and pieces of marijuana leaves in the passenger compartment. See United States v. Payne, 119 F.3d 637, 642 (8th Cir.1997) (Police may search a car without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that the car contains contraband or evidence. In such circumstances, the police may search every part of the car and its contents that may conceal the object of the search.). Therefore, even if Hernandez had an ownership interest in the car, and even if the government should have revealed that interest to defense counsel when Hernandez failed to provide such information himself, thus giving him standing to challenge the search, Hernandez has failed to demonstrate a reasonable probability that the outcome of the motion to suppress hearing would have been different. 16