Opinion ID: 2621193
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Failure to move to suppress evidence seized after a warrantless search

Text: Defendant contends that his trial counsel should have moved to suppress the bottle of paraquat discovered by Mr. Emery, Glenna's father, who conducted a search at the request of the police. It is evident that such a motion would have been without merit. Mr. Emery discovered the paraquat in a cabinet in the garage or shop in which Mr. Emery and defendant had conducted their businesses. The search, even assuming Mr. Emery should be considered to have acted as an agent of the police, was consensual. ( People v. Jenkins, supra, 22 Cal.4th at p. 976, 95 Cal. Rptr.2d 377, 997 P.2d 1044 [it is settled that `the consent of one who possesses common authority over premises or effects is valid as against the absent, nonconsenting person with whom that authority is shared'].) Although Emery stated that he predominantly used one side of the garage/shop, the evidence established that Emery and defendant had common authority over the entire garage, including the cabinet. Defense counsel was not required to make a meritless motion.