Court Opinion

ID: 9532310
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 04:20:13.648437+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:43.936032
License: Public Domain

McCORMICK, Justice
(dissenting).
From a de novo review of the record of the suppression hearing, I am unable to agree with the majority’s finding that the coins seized by the officers were in plain view. Officer Marc Lattin testified as follows:
Q. You mentioned that you found the change in the bottom of a suitcase, is that right? A. Yes.
Q. Was it covered with clothing? A. Yes, it was.
Q. How did you know the change was there? A. I moved the clothing back.
Q. You moved the clothing back? A. Yes.
Q. So it wasn’t in plain view? A. No, it was not.
His version was confirmed by witness Ernie Bradford, a neighbor who was present during the search. I find this evidence more persuasive than the cross-examination remark of Officer Witt, which is relied on by the majority.
I would hold that the trial court erred in overruling the motion to suppress the coins and, on that basis, reverse and remand the case for new trial.