Opinion ID: 2173964
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: baltimore's suppression motion and trial

Text: Before trial, Baltimore filed his motion to suppress the State's use of the Ritalin and Talwin discovered at Cowans' house as evidence against Baltimore, and alleged that the police unconstitutionally obtained the substances by an unreasonable search and seizure, in violation of U.S. Const. amend. IV and Neb. Const. art. I, § 7. After the court denied Baltimore's suppression motion, Baltimore went to trial, during which he renewed his constitutional objection to the State's introduction of the Ritalin and Talwin as evidence. Ferrell testified concerning the circumstances and events surrounding his participation in the surveillance previously described and his entry into Cowans' house. Langan, as a specially trained narcotics investigator, testified about Ritalin, a mild central nervous system stimulant, and Talwin, a potent analgesic with sedative properties and effects similar to codeine. According to Langan, individuals illegally purchase a set of Talwin and Ritalin, that is, one Talwin tablet and two Ritalin tablets per set, which sell for $21. The tablets are then pulverized and, being readily soluble, are dissolved in water to achieve a liquid for an intravenous injection that produces a heroin-type high. Baltimore testified on his own behalf. On the evening of the police surveillance, Baltimore went to Holly's house to deliver some seeds for the garden. Since Holly was not home, Baltimore visited briefly with Cowans at the carport at the vacant house. Baltimore testified: I needed to use the bathroom, I couldn't wait until I got home. Therefore, he asked for the key to Cowans' house and use of its bathroom. Baltimore testified that, although Cowans had previously given him a key which enabled Baltimore to get the hose and water the garden frequently, even as recently as the morning preceding the evening surveillance by the police, Baltimore did not intend to water his garden that evening. Using the key received from Cowans at the carport that night, Baltimore unlocked the back door of the Cowans residence and entered to use the bathroom. After using the toilet, and while he was opening the rear door of Cowans' house, Baltimore encountered Ferrell wearing his police garb and badge. Ferrell said, Get back in there, and Baltimore retreated to the refrigerator in the kitchen. Ferrell handcuffed Baltimore and later searched the kitchen, where Ferrell found the pill bottle containing the Ritalin and Talwin tablets, which, over Baltimore's renewed constitutional objection, were received as evidence in Baltimore's trial. The jury found Baltimore guilty as charged, and he now appeals and claims that the evidence of the Ritalin and Talwin were constitutionally inadmissible and, therefore, should have been excluded from evidence against him. Baltimore argues that the police lacked probable cause for the search that produced the physical evidence, i.e., the Ritalin and Talwin. In response, the State contends that Baltimore lacks standing to raise the issue concerning constitutional validity of the search and seizure. To support his position that he has standing, Baltimore relies on the fact that Cowans gave him a key and permission to enter the Cowans residence and get the hose to water the garden.