State v. Zutic

In this search and seizure case, defendant was convicted of drug offenses based on evidence that had been seized following a warrantless search of his person after his automobile was stopped and searched by the police. As in State v. Smith, 155 N.J. 83, 713 A.2d 1033 (1998), also decided today, the police action was based on an informant’s tip. The issue presented by this appeal is whether the police, acting on a confidential informant’s tip that was partially corroborated, had probable cause to justify the personal search of defendant.

I

At approximately 6:15 p.m. on July 26, 1993, Sergeant…