State v. Marchand

Defendant was convicted of unlawful possession of marijuana in excess of 40 grams and unlawful possession of cocaine. The Court of Appeals affirmed the cocaine conviction, but reversed the marijuana conviction. State v. Marchand, 37 Wn. App. 741, 684 P.2d 1306 (1984). Defendant petitioned for review of the affirmance of the cocaine conviction. The State did not cross-petition as to the reversal of the marijuana conviction so that issue is not before us.

The essential question is whether it is constitutionally permissible to stop a vehicle for the purpose of checking the driver's license, auto…