Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

A police officer searching through a wallet.....

A college student, on his university's property, is observed by undercover University police officers holding two beers, and then is observed giving one of these beers to another student. The police officers approach the student and ask for identification. The student who was carried both beers shows the police officer his NYS driver's license, which indicates that he is underage. The police officer then says that the student must present his wallet to be searched for fake identification. The police officer takes the wallet and searches through it, finding a fake ID within the wallet. Is this a legal search? Even if the police officer was suspicious of how the student obtained the beers in the first place, is that a form of reasonable doubt that allows searching through private property? The police officer says the wallet must be presented, he is not providing a choice. Thanks for your assistance in this legal dilemma.


Asked on 10/22/01, 3:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Savyon Grant Law Office of Savy Grant

Re: A police officer searching through a wallet.....

It sounds like this was a illegal search. Were you charged with any criminal offense.

savy grant

www.njcrime.com

201-646-9600

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Answered on 11/22/01, 12:46 pm


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