NH Possession of Controlled Substance Charge Dismissed

Client riding as passenger in pick up truck stopped by police for alleged “loud muffler” on Route 95 off ramp. Police Officer checks licenses and registration but doesn’t issue ticket, instead calls for back up, removes young men from truck and pats them down for weapons. After finding contraband on client, Trooper asks for consent to search vehicle and he finds two (2) ounces of marijuana. Defense wins Motion to Suppress. Court agrees that the prolonged detention at roadside and subsequent searches are illegal as beyond scope of any legitimate stop for issuing ticket.