M.J. v. State

In this appeal from an adjudication of delinquency, the juvenile contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress his confession, which resulted from what he claims was an illegal detention for loitering and prowling. We agree that, even though the deputy could have reasonably stopped the juvenile for truancy, he did not have probable cause to arrest the juvenile for loitering and prowling. Thus, the transport and questioning of the juvenile at the police station, which resulted in the juvenile’s confession to burglary, violated his Fourth Amendment rights. We reverse.

On…