People v. Greene

The State appeals the trial court’s order suppressing the evidence of cannabis found during a search under defendant’s sofa cushion. The issues on appeal are whether: (1) the police officer was permitted to enter defendant’s porch and house to determine whether someone inside was in need of emergency aid, following a 911 hang-up call; and (2) once inside, the police officer was justified in searching under defendant’s sofa cushion. We reverse and remand.

On July 25, 1995, defendant, Powell B. Greene, was charged with possession of not more than 2.5 grams of a substance containing cannabis (720…