If an officer finds contraband while searching an unconscious person’s pockets, what will happen to the contraband as evidence?

In the context of an officer finding contraband in the pockets of an unconscious person, the correct conclusion is that the contraband will be suppressed as evidence. This is primarily due to the legal principle of search and seizure as outlined in the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches.

When an individual is unconscious, they are unable to provide consent for the search of their person or belongings. Evidence obtained without consent, probable cause, or a valid search warrant does not generally meet the legal criteria for admissibility in court. Therefore, any contraband discovered during such a search is likely to be considered inadmissible, or "suppressed." This suppression is intended to uphold the rights of individuals against unreasonable government intrusion.

In situations where consent is absent and proper legal procedures have not been followed, the integrity of the evidence can be compromised, making it unsuitable for use in legal proceedings. This principle helps to ensure that law enforcement operates within the bounds of constitutional protections.