South Carolina v. Hewins
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Erick Hewins appealed his conviction for possession of crack cocaine. Hewins argued on appeal that the circuit court judge erred in ruling he was collaterally estopped from challenging the search of his vehicle, which precipitated the drug charge, because Hewins waived any challenge when he was convicted in municipal court of an open container violation resulting from the same search. The Supreme Court held the conviction in municipal court had no preclusive effect on Hewins's ability to litigate his motion to suppress in circuit court. Furthermore, the Court found the drug evidence should have been suppressed because it was discovered during an unlawful search. Accordingly, the Court reversed Hewins's conviction.
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