Opinion ID: 176849
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: In evaluating a district court's denial of a defendant's motion to suppress, we review factual findings, including credibility determinations, for clear error, and we review legal conclusions de novo. United States v. Solis, 299 F.3d 420, 435 (5th Cir.2002). A factual finding is not clearly erroneous as long as it is plausible in light of the record as a whole. United States v. Jacquinot, 258 F.3d 423, 427 (5th Cir.2001). Where a district court's denial of a suppression motion is based on live oral testimony, the clearly erroneous standard is particularly strong because the judge had the opportunity to observe the demeanor of the witnesses. United States v. Santiago, 410 F.3d 193, 197 (5th Cir.2005). Finally, we review the evidence in the light most favorable to the Government as the prevailing party. Id.