People v. Smith

BACKGROUND

A. Smith, a single mother, was arrested in connection with the theft of a cell phone and iPad from an unlocked vehicle. After Smith gave police consent to search her vehicle, the police found multiple cell phones in her purse, and she admitted she had stolen two iPhones. Police also located a receipt containing the last four digits of a stolen credit card, and Smith stated that she 1 had attempted to use the credit card four times to purchase Target gift cards. In addition, the police found suspected methamphetamine in her purse, and Smith admitted it was hers.

The police also searched the vehicle of Smith’s friend, B.L., whom they believed had committed the theft along with Smith. They found a backpack containing two wallets with identification cards, credit cards, personal checks, and other documents belonging to other individuals. The police believed the items in the backpack were stolen by Smith and B.L. B.L. told police that Smith said the backpack belonged to her daughter.

Four days later, police stopped Smith’s car and, during a search, found suspected methamphetamine. Smith admitted the methamphetamine belonged to her and stated that she “ ‘likes to get…