Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Amica v. State

A search warrant affidavit based on information obtained from a prison informant regarding a May 2006 burglary and robbery, which ultimately led to appellant's conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, was supported by probable cause despite a 9-month lapse between the 2006 crimes and information contained in 2007 affidavit.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Following a jury trial, William C. Amica was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.1 He appeals following the denial of his motion for new trial, arguing that the trial court erred by 1 denying his motion to suppress the search warrant, which was issued without probable cause; 2 admitting his statements to the police; and 3 admitting a similar transaction. Amica also contends that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm, for reasons that follow. Viewed in favor of the verdict,2 the evidence shows that the Warner Robins Police Department investigated a May 22, 2006 burglary of a Lolo’s convenience store and a May 4, 2006 armed robbery of Jitendra Patel. In January 2007, Detective Brad Mules was contacted by Eric Adams, an inmate at the county jail. Adams told Mules that both he and Amica committed the Lolo’s burglary and the armed robbery of Patel and that Amica was surveilling the owner of the Lolo’s in order to rob him.3 On January 18, 2007, Detective Mules obtained a search warrant for Amica’s house, where the police recovered a shoe box containing seven plastic bags of marijuana, a digital scale, a nine millimeter magazine with six rounds of ammunition, a pair of brown work boots, and a black sweatshirt, among other items. Amica was later apprehended and taken into custody for questioning.

Prior to trial, Amica moved to suppress the evidence obtained during the search of his house, arguing that the search warrant was stale.4 The trial court denied the motion. Following his conviction, Amica filed a motion for new trial, raising, inter alia, several arguments with regard to the search warrant. The trial court denied the motion, and this appeal followed.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Associate Litigator

Borteck & Czapek, P.C., based in Florham Park, is a boutique estates and trusts law firm specializing in estate planning and administrat...


Apply Now ›
Gwinnett County: State Court Staff Attorney

Gwinnett County State Court is seeking an attorney to assist the Judge by conducting a variety of legal research, analysis, and document pre...


Apply Now ›
Corporate Counsel

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:(1) Tasks and responsibilities include:Reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements for internal business...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs