An officer observes an individual talking with known drug addicts over a period of several hours.The officer eventually approaches the individual and pulls illegal drugs out of the suspect's pocket after the suspect has thrust his hand into his pocket first.The officer testifies that he never saw nor believed that the suspect had a weapon.What position would the courts take pertaining to this seizure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officer did not have probable cause to search the suspect without a warrant or consent, and the suspect did not make any suspicious movements indicating that he was armed or dangerous. The fact that the suspect was talking with known drug addicts does not provide sufficient justification for the search. Therefore, the seizure would be considered illegal and the evidence obtained would be inadmissible in court.

An Officer Observes an Individual Talking with Known Drug Addicts