United States v. Damian Law

MEMORANDUM

Damian Law appeals from the district court’s order denying his motion to suppress evidence supporting his convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924 (c)(1)(A). We review de novo the denial of Law’s motion to suppress. See United States v. Sullivan, 758 F.3d 845, 855 (9th Cir.2014). We review for clear error the district court’s factual findings. Id. Exercising jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , we affirm the denial of Law’s motion to suppress.

Law seeks to suppress evidence officers obtained during a warrantless search of a car he was driving. The automobile exception to the Fourth Amendment allows police officers to search a vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that it contains contraband. See United States v. Ross, 456 U.S. 798, 799-800 , 102 S.Ct. 2157 , 72 L.Ed.2d 572 (1982).

We agree with the district court’s conclusion that the police officer had probable cause for the search of the car. See Tatum v. City & Cnty. of S.F., 441 F.3d 1090 , 1095 (9th Cir.2006)…