March 4th 2021
Trafficking
Client was a young hardworking single mother from out-of-state. According to Police and supported by her plea, she was driving a vehicle owned by someone else. That vehicle was not properly on the road and moving violations triggered a lawful traffic stop. After the traffic stop, experienced police officers noticed what appeared to be a hydraulic drug compartment built into the motor vehicle console. Inside that secret compartment was a large quantity of drugs which supported a trafficking indictment. Also, during the search of the vehicle there were additional drugs found in the backseat. The case moved through the court for nearly three years. During that time there were search warrants executed and a large trove of discovery that was reviewed in great detail. A motion to suppress, was unsuccessful and the case moved toward trial. As the case proceeded, a deal was struck whereby the District Attorney would reduce the charge which requires a minimum mandatory 3.5 years in state prison to possession with intent, which gave the District Attorney flexibility to negotiate. The final plea was 2.5 years in the house of correction, with one year to serve—and no minimum mandatory. The result is that client can expect to be released within 6 months with good time and even sooner if parole board deems her a worthy candidate for parole.
RESULT: Trafficking REDUCED to Possession with Intent.