People v. Mendoza Tello

Opinion

CHIN, J.

A jury convicted defendant of possessing cocaine. Orange County Deputy Sheriff Gomez testified at trial that on October 26, 1994, while on patrol in an unmarked car, he saw the passenger of another car light a marijuana cigarette. He stopped the car and asked defendant, the driver, for his driver’s license and registration. Defendant consented to a search of the car. Deputy Gomez testified, “I had him exit the car. At this point I wanted to conduct a physical search of him for more marijuana and/or weapons for officer safety.” He told defendant to turn around and put his hands…