Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

Search and Seizure

I was recently charged with simple possession of Marijuana, I was in a friends car and we all got searched. The police found a bowl and a very small bit of marijuana in my purse. I was informed that because it was in my purse they broke search and seizure laws because that is personal property, is that true?


Asked on 1/15/01, 2:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: Search and Seizure

No. You've been given wrong information. Let me guess. Who ever told you that is a friend of yours that thinks they know the law? No offense, but that person is obviously not a lawyer and doesn't know what they are talking about. Becareful relying on anything they or any other nonqualified person says. The police are allow to do a limited search of anything within the car occupants' reach for they're own personal safety. This is sometimes referred to as a "wingspan" search.

Robert Johnston

(843) 828-1137

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Answered on 2/12/01, 7:06 am


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