[U] State v. Stiffler

Panel One UNPUBLISHED OPINION A pretextual traffic stop violates article I, section 7, because it is a warrantless seizure. State v. Ladson, 138 Wn.2d 343, 979 P.2d 833 (1999). Police stopped James Stiffler's pickup because the officer believed Mr. Stiffler was driving with a suspended license. He was. Mr. Stiffler was arrested and a subsequent search of his pickup revealed methamphetamine in his wallet. He was charged and convicted of possession of a controlled substance. Mr. Stiffler appeals, arguing the initial stop was pretextual. The stop of Mr. Stiffler's pickup was not pretextual because the officer's suspicions related to his driving. See Ladson, 138 Wn.2d at 349. Mr. Stiffler also argues that the evidence is insufficient to support the conviction. The discovery of drugs in Mr. Stiffler's own wallet is sufficient to support his conviction. Accordingly, we affirm.