U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1972

United States v. James Robert Capps

United States v. James Robert Capps
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · Decided April 10, 1972 · Chambers, Wright, Goodwin
460 F.2d 316; 1972 U.S. App. LEXIS 10191 (Federal Reporter, Second Series)

United States v. James Robert Capps

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

While searching Capps’ car for aliens, which at the point of the search they had a right to do, the immigration officers first smelled and then found considerable marijuana in shopping bags in the trunk of the car. The evidence was clearly sufficient. No one was required to accept the alibi.

A point of improper search is made. The search was probably unobjectionable on the defendant’s version of the facts. But the court found the officers’ different version was correct; that is, that the trunk key (which Capps denied having) was found on the floor in front of the seat. Obviously, the officer did the proper thing. He used it.

The judgment, is affirmed.

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