Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

what determines probable cause?

On an Indian Reservation Casino I was asked by a security guard who grabbed my purse of the slot machine and asked me to follow him. Then he asked if he could search my purse for weapons. I agreed (knowing I did not have any weapons). During the search he found a small amount of meth. "Is this a legal search and seizure"?


Asked on 2/28/99, 7:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: what determines probable cause?

YES!! You consented to the search of your purse. While you may have limited the search to weapons, the meth is considered "contraband" as such it announces its illegality and may be siezed by the security guard or law enforcement officer.

The best advice is never consent to your purse, person, car or home being searched.

Lyle Johnson

Lyle W. Johnson Attorney at Law

152 N. Third Street, Suite 510


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Answered on 3/06/99, 4:04 pm


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