Pearson v. State

Johnny Conroy Pearson was convicted of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, fined $50, and sentenced to nine months in the county jail. On this appeal from that conviction, he argues that there was no probable cause to search his car.

The State's evidence shows that, on the night of October 21, 1986, agents Joe Reed and James Bingham of the West Alabama Narcotics Squad, were on patrol in an unmarked car in the area of Lee's Tomb, a bar in Tuscaloosa. Agent Reed knew that it was "common for people to sneak drinks out of the bars."

The defendant and a companion were observed sitting in a Camaro…