Prince
United States v. Prince
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
Prince appeals his conviction of one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. We affirm.
First, on de novo review, there was sufficient probable cause to support the search warrant for Prince’s residence. “Probable cause exists when there is a fair probability or substantial chance of criminal activity.” United States v. Bishop, 264 F.3d 919, 924 (9th Cir.2001). Where, as here, a warrant is sought based upon information received from a confidential source (CS), the veracity, reliability and basis of the informant’s information must be evaluated under the totality of the circumstances. United States v. Fixen, 780 F.2d 1434, 1436 (1986). Here, the magistrate had a reasonable basis for issuing the search warrant. The warrant affidavit included: (1) the affiant officer’s twelve years of law enforcement experience and observations based upon his experience; (2) the officer’s search of Prince’s residence nine months prior; (3) the CS’s background and firsthand information concerning Prince’s recent drug distribution *212 activities; and (4) the officer’s steps to corroborate the OS’s information. See Bishop, 264 F.3d at 924-26 .