Willie Nelson was riding in a livery cab when cops stopped the vehicle for traffic violations. As they approached, officers became suspicious when they observed Nelson moving "frantically and erratically."
After the guy exited the cab, he continued to act in a manner which suggested he was concealing a weapon in his front waistband.
When he was later searched, officers uncovered a "hard package of drugs" and Nelson was later convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and sentenced to 6 years in prison.
On appeal to the Appellate Division, First Department, Nelson argued that the officers' actions were unlawful and that the drugs found on his person shouldn't have been allowed into evidence at his trial. But the appellate court was of the view Nelson's unusual behavior justified the officer's conduct and that the frisk was based on "reasonable suspicion."
Is poor Willie shoot out of luck ?
To view the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Nelson