People v. Grant CA3

BACKGROUND

Sacramento Police Officer Paul Fong stopped a car because it did not have a front license plate. The location of the traffic stop was a high narcotics trafficking area. Defendant was the driver and sole occupant. Officer Fong did not see defendant contact anyone prior to the stop. The parties stipulated that the stop and subsequent search of defendant and his car were lawful. Officer Fong found a small Ziploc type baggie containing a white crystal substance wrapped in a green bandana in defendant’s back pants pocket. The baggie contained 2.84 grams of methamphetamine. Officer Fong showed defendant the baggie and asked him what was in the baggie. Defendant slammed his forehead on the roof of his car and said, “[O]h, fuck, I forgot about those.” Officer Fong searched defendant’s car. He found an organizer folder containing $600 in cash inside the glove box. The $600 consisted of a $100 bill and $20 and $10 bills. The officer also found a cell phone, but he was unable to retrieve any information from it. Officer Fong transported defendant to jail after placing him under arrest. The officer informed defendant he would be subject to prosecution for taking drugs into the…