State v. Rodriguez-Lopi

OPINION

BENCH, Judge.

Defendant Nelson Rodriguez-Lopi appeals his conviction for possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), a third degree felony in violation of Utah Code Ann. § 58-37-8(2)(a)(i) (1996). We affirm.

BACKGROUND

At 5:00 a.m. on May 20, 1996, defendant and a passenger were traveling in the northbound outside lane of State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. At about 1500 South, defendant pulled his vehicle out of the normal traffic lane and drove near the curb in an area often used for parking. Proceeding at about ten miles per hour, defendant leaned into the passenger area of the…