People v. Ely

BROWN (Gerald), J.

Defendant appeals from a judgment of conviction of possessing marijuana, in violation of the Health & Safety Code, section 11530. He admitted two prior felony convictions. Defendant contends that he involuntarily consented to the search of his bedroom by an officer in which the officer found marijuana.

The officer called upon defendant at his home about noon, and was invited into the house. The officer disclosed his identity and told defendant that one Lowerison had been taken into custody the night before, had a marijuana cigarette in his car and had informed the officer that defendant had been with him that night until about 1 o’clock in the morning; also defendant’s sunglasses were in Lowerison’s car. The officer was aware of defendant’s prior record and of the fact that he was on probation. The officer asked defendant if he had been using marijuana and when a negative answer was given, permission to search defendant’s bedroom was requested and tentatively denied lacldng a search warrant, the reason being defendant’s mother “would not like it.” The officer requested the name and telephone number of defendant’s probation officer. Defendant then stated the

[459]

officer could search the room if his mother consented. This consent was sought and given after which defendant told the officer to “Go ahead and search the room, I have nothing to hide.” Marijuana was found, some of which defendant unsuccessfully sought to grab from the officer.

A search is not illegal where there is voluntary consent.

(People

v.

Moore,

209 Cal.App.2d 345, 349 [26 Cal.Rptr. 36].) There was nothing improper in the officer seeking the name and telephone number of the probation officer. The question of consent or consent by reason of coercion is one of fact to be determined by the trial judge.

(People

v.

Michael,

45 Cal.2d 751, 753 [290 P.2d 852];

People