State v. Duffy

The state appeals an order suppressing evidence obtained by questioning defendant during a traffic stop. The state argues that the trial court erred in concluding that the officer who initiated the stop unlawfully questioned defendant without reasonable suspicion that he was engaged in criminal activity. We agree with the state and reverse and remand for further proceedings.

The relevant facts are undisputed. Oregon State Police troopers Purdy and Givens stopped defendant at approximately 3:20 a.m. for a missing license plate light. Givens asked defendant what he and his passenger, Widick, had…