Opinion ID: 1644140
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Admissibility of marijuana seized in search of Cochrun's home.

Text: Cochrun asserts that the State originally indicated that the marijuana seized under the search warrant would not be offered as evidence. Cochrun claims that this statement was a binding stipulation or admission upon the State. Generally, stipulations are required to be in writing, but an oral stipulation made on the record in open court and relied upon by an adversary may be binding upon the party. Aaker v. Aaker, 338 N.W.2d 645 (N.D.1983); 73 Am.Jur.2d Stipulations § 3 (1974). There is no indication that the statement in question was intended as a stipulation by the State. The State indicated, at the preliminary hearing, that there were no charges arising from the seized marijuana, but made no promise or commitment that it might not later amend these charges or attempt to admit the evidence. While Cochrun relied upon this statement, it did not rise to the level of a stipulation because it contained no promise or commitment. Restatement (Second) Contracts § 94 (1979). Further, Cochrun has not shown that his reliance was prejudicial to his case. Cochrun did not dismiss any witnesses, nor is there any indication that Cochrun would have prepared his case differently had he not relied upon the statement. Cochrun had an opportunity to contest, and did contest, the admissibility of the evidence through a motion in limine on the day of trial. Cochrun claims that the marijuana was inadmissible because it was improperly seized under the search warrant. Cochrun cites the general rule that an item seized under a search warrant must be described with specificity. State v. Wellner, 318 N.W.2d 324 (S.D.1982); State v. Nelson, 84 S.D. 218, 169 N.W.2d 533 (1969). This court has created a plain view exception to the rule where a police officer uncovers other evidence of a crime in the course of a warranted search. Wellner, supra; State v. Larkin, 87 S.D. 61, 202 N.W.2d 862 (1972). Wellner set out two requirements to satisfy this exception: [T]he original search must be directed in good faith toward finding objects described in the search warrant. In addition, the police officer must have probable cause to believe the inadvertently discovered evidence is in fact seizable. Wellner, supra at 329. There is no showing that the authorities failed to proceed in good faith under the warrant. The warrant allowed the officers to search Cochrun's entire home and did not limit the search to particular rooms. In the course of the search, the officers came across the marijuana on top of a potting bucket in the bathroom. This was seizable as it was inadvertent and in plain view. Cochrun also claims the marijuana was not relevant to the charge of selling to a minor. Cochrun cites no authority for this assertion. SDCL 19-12-1 provides that relevant evidence makes the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable... than it would be without the evidence. The five baggies, each containing approximately one-half ounce of marijuana tend to corroborate the charge that Cochrun was distributing marijuana. The State could and should have charged Cochrun with possession and offered the marijuana on that charge if they wanted it in evidence. However, we cannot say that the trial court erred in admitting the marijuana in view of its corroborative value and Cochrun's failure to cite any authority questioning its relevance. The trial court found that the probative value outweighed the danger of unfair prejudice to Cochrun under SDCL 19-12-3. Unlike the gun in State v. Rufener, 401 N.W.2d 740 (S.D. 1987), this evidence was relevant and this determination was within the sound discretion of the trial court. State v. Grooms, 399 N.W.2d 358 (S.D.1987); State v. Cross, 390 N.W.2d 564 (S.D.1986).