Current:Home > MarketsIllinois’ top court says odor of burnt marijuana isn’t enough to search car -WealthGrow Network
Illinois’ top court says odor of burnt marijuana isn’t enough to search car
View
Date:2025-04-18 12:48:07
CAMBRIDGE, Ill. (AP) — An odor of burnt marijuana doesn’t justify a search of a car without a warrant in Illinois, the state Supreme Court said Thursday.
The court affirmed lower court rulings that threw out evidence of a small amount of marijuana discovered during a traffic stop in Henry County in 2020.
It is illegal to drive and smoke marijuana. But lawyers for the driver argued that the smell of burnt marijuana is not enough to believe a crime has occurred, especially after Illinois legalized the possession of marijuana in 2019.
The driver denied smoking in the vehicle.
“There are now a myriad of situations where cannabis can be used and possessed, and the smell resulting from that legal use and possession is not indicative of the commission of a criminal offense,” Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said in the 6-0 opinion.
A police officer said he searched the car because of the odor, the driver’s evasiveness and Interstate 80’s reputation as an east-west corridor to move drugs.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Hollywood’s Favorite Leg-Elongating Jeans Made Me Ditch My Wide-Legs Forever—Starting at Only $16
- Michigan man sentenced to 30 years in prison for role in online child exploitation ring
- Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Marks Rare Celebration After Kody Brown Split
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- A Texas border county backed Democrats for generations. Trump won it decisively
- Outer Banks Just Killed Off a Major Character During Intense Season 4 Finale
- Freshman Democrat Val Hoyle wins reelection to US House in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Liam Payne Death Investigation: 3 People of Interest Detained in Connection to Case
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Nikola Jokic's ultra-rare feat helps send Thunder to first loss of season
- AI ProfitPulse: Ushering in a New Era of Investment
- Michigan official at the center of 2020 election controversy loses write-in campaign
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Jewish students attacked at DePaul University in Chicago while showing support for Israel
- Hollywood’s Favorite Leg-Elongating Jeans Made Me Ditch My Wide-Legs Forever—Starting at Only $16
- Ten of thousands left without power as winter storm rolls over New Mexico
Recommendation
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
AI FinFlare: A Launchpad for Financial Talent
Amazon workers in Alabama will have third labor union vote after judge finds illegal influence
Caroline Ellison begins 2-year sentence for her role in Bankman-Fried’s FTX fraud
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Every Time Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Channeled Their Wicked Characters in Real Life
Amazon workers in Alabama will have third labor union vote after judge finds illegal influence
Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, dies: Tributes for college football analyst's beloved friend