State v. Williams

Defendant was arrested on a prostitution charge. While she was being taken to jail, officers searched her purse and seized a handgun and a small amount of heroin. The gun was in plain sight as soon as the purse was opened. The heroin was inside a folded dollar bill that was inside a zippered interior compartment in the purse. She was charged with prostitution, carrying a concealed weapon and criminal activity in drugs. She was convicted on the weapon and drug charges; the prostitution charge was dismissed. She appeals, contending the handgun and heroin were illegally seized.

Defendant argues…