Leach v. State

Christopher C. Leach appeals an order denying his dispositive motion to suppress following his nolo contendere plea to trafficking in, and possession of various controlled substances. The issue we must resolve is whether the police officer who conducted a pat-down of Mr. Leach had a legal basis to do so. We conclude the pat-down, which led to the discovery of the drugs, was lawful, and that the trial court properly denied the motion to suppress.

Officer Jason Junnier, a K-9 handler and patrol officer with the Winter Springs Police Department, pulled over a vehicle driven by Mr. Leach for…