In Re Michael S.

Michael S., a minor, appeals from the suitable placement order (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 602) that was entered following a finding that he had possessed a nunchaku in violation of Penal Code section 12020. He contends: “I. The juvenile court erroneously denied appellant’s motion to suppress the evidence procured from the illegal search of his person. II. The juvenile court did not properly determine whether the charges sustained against appellant were felonies or misdemeanors.”

Viewing the entire record in the light most favorable to the order of wardship in accordance with the usual rule governing appellate review (In re Dennis B. (1976) 18 Cal.3d 687, 697 [ 135 Cal.Rptr. 82 , 557 P.2d 514 ]), the evidence establishes that at approximately 7:20 a.m., on March 8, 1982, Los Angeles Police Detective William A. Williams and his partner were on routine patrol in an alley where there had been many complaints of criminal activities, ranging from vehicle tampering to narcotics violations, and where many arrests for such offenses had been made. On this occasion the officers observed appellant “secreted or standing between two parked cars,” looking first into one and then into the…