EVANSVILLE – The Court of Appeals of Indiana’s award-winning civics education outreach program, Appeals on Wheels, will visit Vanderburgh County on September 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time at the University of Evansville.
A panel of judges will hear live, in-person arguments in Young v. State.
Joseph Lee Young is appealing his convictions of Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine and Level 6 felony unlawful possession of a syringe. He first argues the trial court abused its discretion when it denied his motion to suppress the evidence found in his vehicle because the warrantless search of his vehicle violated his right against unlawful search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. In response, the State contends the trial court did not abuse its discretion because the warrantless search was permissible under the automobile exception. Young next argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it admitted into evidence the items found in his vehicle because the State did not provide a proper chain of custody. In response, the State asserts the trial court did not abuse its discretion because the officers’ testimony provided a proper chain of custody.
Additionally, Young argues the State did not present sufficient evidence he committed the crimes for which he was convicted because there was no evidence he possessed the items found in his car. In response, the State contends Young had constructive possession of the items, and thus, his convictions are supported by the evidence. Finally, Young argues his sentence is inappropriate based on the nature of the crime and Young’s character. The State disagrees, arguing Young’s sentence is not inappropriate based on his concealment of the drugs and his significant criminal history.
The scheduled panelists are Judge May, Judge Brown, and Judge Foley.
The event is open to the public, and following the argument, the audience will have a chance to ask the judges questions about the judiciary; however, they cannot speak about the specific case.
