1. State of Maryland v. Terrence Michael Rucker
Based on a tip from an informant that Terrence Michael Rucker was involved in narcotics trafficking, police stopped and questioned him in the parking lot of a shopping center. As Rucker stepped into his vehicle, a uniformed officer who had pulled in behind him, asked for his license and registration. Rucker complied, and two more officers appeared. The first officer stepped aside and one of the two officers asked Rucker if he had anything he was not supposed to have. Rucker responded that he had cocaine in his pocket. The officers found the cocaine, and placed Rucker under arrest, charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and other offenses. Prior to trial, Rucker moved to suppress his statements and the evidence, arguing that the police should have read him his Miranda rights before making their inquiries.
Rucker moved for suppression of his statements, and the evidence derived therefrom.
The suppression court and the Court of Special Appeals agreed.
Court of Appeals of Maryland disagreed and reversed the judgement of the Court of Special Appeals.
Should the respondent have been read his Miranda rights before he was questioned.
Did the police have reasonable suspicion to stop him.
-for purpose of receiving Miranda protection, the ultimate inquiry is simply whether there is a ôformal arrest or restraint on freedom of movement, of the degree associated with a formal arrest.ö
ûthat the source had not provided police with information in the past is offset by the fact that the source was known to the police, and by the quantity and quality of details provided by the informantÆs tip, many of which were later verified by the police.
-Rucker was not under arrest or restraint when asked the
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