New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York v. Leon Whitfield

April 1, 199381 N.Y.2d 904

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals held that the defendant lacked standing to move to suppress the narcotics seized from a bag, reversing the Appellate Division and denying the motion. The court explained that a mere possessory interest is insufficient; the defendant must demonstrate a personal legitimate expectation of privacy, a burden that he failed to meet.