People v. Potter

Opinion

HALLER, J.

Christopher Potter pleaded guilty to one count of operating a “chop shop” (Veh. Code, § 10801). On appeal, he challenges the trial court’s denial of his motion to suppress, contending the court erred in finding the search of an automobile repair shop was authorized by the warrantless administrative search provisions of section 2805. He argues the search was not authorized under section 2805 because the shop was not “open to the public” in the sense that customers were not invited onto the premises. We hold that there is no such open to the public requirement for a warrantless…