State v. Tompkins

This is an automobile search case taken upon a review of an unpublished decision of the court of appeals which affirmed Tompkins’ conviction for possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver, entered by the circuit court for Fond du Lac county, Honorable Eugene F. McEssey, judge.

We find that under the facts, as a matter of law, there was probable cause to search the defendant’s motor vehicle. We further hold that because the agents had probable cause to believe the automobile contained contraband, there was no need for a showing of exigent circumstances or a search warrant.

The defendant in…