State v. Dixson

Phipps, Judge.

After being charged with two counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, Richard Dixson filed a motion to suppress evidence seized during a traffic stop. The trial court conducted an evidentiary hearing, and then granted Dixson’s motion to suppress. The state claims that the traffic stop was legal and that Dixson’s arrest was supported by probable cause. We conclude that the initial stop was improper and therefore affirm.

We must abide by three principles when reviewing the grant of a motion to suppress:

First, the judge sits as the trier of facts. The trial judge…