In re Kevin L. CA5

INTRODUCTION

The juvenile court adjudged appellant a ward of the court (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 602) after appellant admitted the People’s allegation that he had possessed methamphetamine (Health & Saf. Code, § 11377, subd. (a)). On appeal, appellant argues the juvenile court erred by denying his motion to suppress the methamphetamine, as the search that yielded that evidence was unlawful. We affirm.

FACTS

On February 19, 2014, Officer Michael Aguilar observed a group of four minors, including appellant, run across a street and impede traffic. Aguilar detained the group for jaywalking and, because appellant was wearing a baggy sweatshirt that covered his waistband, informed the minors that they would be subject to a patdown search for weapons. As Aguilar placed appellant’s hands behind his head, he observed a pack of cigarettes sticking out of appellant’s pocket. Aguilar placed appellant under arrest for possession of tobacco, and a search incident to that arrest yielded a small bag of methamphetamine. As a result of the search, a petition was filed against appellant alleging the possession of methamphetamine. Prior to the jurisdictional hearing, appellant filed a motion to…