Attorney James Mertes Argues Before Illinois Supreme Court for Second Time This Term

On January 10, 2024, Attorney James W. Mertes, Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Mertes & Mertes, argued a historic case before the Illinois Supreme Court. It was the second time that Mertes has argued before the Illinois Supreme Court in its 2023-24 session.

The issue before the Court is whether the odor of cannabis provides a police officer with probable cause to search a motor vehicle, following the legalization of cannabis possession in the State of Illinois. "The odor of cannabis is now the aroma of legality," Mertes argued before the seven-justice panel.

The case has drawn state-wide and national media attention. Its outcome could reshape the legal landscape regarding law enforcement searches of motor vehicles.

For more information, review the following:

McCoppin, Robert, "Is Marijuana Odor an 'Aroma of Legality' or a Reason for Cops to Search Vehicles? Illinois Supreme Court to Decide," Chicago Tribune, January 19, 2024, Page 1, found at https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/19/is-marijuana-odor-an-aroma-of-legality-or-a-reason-for-cops-to-search-vehicles-illinois-supreme-court-to-decide/

Raju, Dilpreet, "Illinois Supreme Court to Determine if Cannabis Odor can be Cause for Vehicle Search, WQAD, January 10, 2024, found at https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/illinois-supreme-court-determine-cannabis-odor-cause-vehicle-search-capitol-news/526-cae4d939-36ec-4663-91dc-78433522de60