People v. Lafayette

The State appeals from the order of the Circuit Court of Kankakee. County which suppressed evidence seized. The issue presented is whether a warrantless search of the defendant’s (Ralph Lafayette) shoulder bag, made during booking procedures following a valid custodial arrest, was unreasonable and, thus violated the defendant’s fourth and fourteenth amendment rights.

The defendant had been charged with possession of a controlled substance in violation of section 402(b) of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 56½, par. 1402(b)). Prior to trial, he moved to suppress…