Recent Posts in Miranda Category
| December 01, 2011 |
| Facing marijuana charges in Virginia? |
| Posted By Shawn Cline |
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Even as we see the governors of other states petitioning the Drug Enforcement Agency to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II controlled substance, which would allow doctors to prescribe it to patients in the 16 states with medical marijuana statutes on the books without risking federal prosecution; Virginia continues to be as aggressive as ever in the prosecution of simple possession of marijuana. Virginia is one of the most conservative states in the nation, so it's likely that the growing national trend toward decriminalizing (and perhaps even legalizing) marijuana will be felt here well after the majority of states have adopted more progressive approaches to marijuana.
That's the bad news for those of you in Virginia who use marijuana. The good news is that possession cases are often difficult for the Commonwealth's Attorney to prove. There are countless avenues of attack for an aggressive criminal defense attorney in dealing with these charges. First and foremost, "possession" is actually fairly hard prove. Just reading the statute, you can see that mere ownership presence in a residence or vehicle wherein marijuana is discovered does not create any presumption of possession. Individuals borrow vehicles, and even borrow clothing that belongs to others, so there are countless reasonable explanations for the presence of marijuana in one's vicinity. The Commonwealth will usually have to rely upon statements by the defendant in these types of cases to establish possession. The issue then becomes whether the individual was entitled to a
Miranda rights advisement, and if so, whether such an advisement was given. This is a complicated legal question that goes far beyond a simple determination of whether the individual was under arrest.
Another challenge for the prosecution is proving whether the substance was in fact marijuana. While there is a statute that authorizes testimony of field testing by any law enforcement officer to determine the chemical makeup of marijuana, field testing is frequently not done. Where this testing is not done, the sample must be packaged and sent to the Department of Forensic Science in Richmond for chemical testing. There are countless ways to attack the handling, mailing, testing, and reporting of these results. Many inexperienced lawyers will simply concede that the plant substance is marijuana, thereby foreclosing one of the critical avenues of defense. Don't let this happend to you!
The bottom line is that Virginia will continue to prosecute and lock people up for smoking marijuana, long after more progressive states have seen fit to treat marijuana as a medical issue. In the meantime, if you are charged with possession of marijuana in Virginia, you must contact an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney. Do not accept that your future has to be ruined by this charge! Call us today! |
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| January 26, 2011 |
| Possession of marijuana charges? What is the first offender program? |
| Posted By Shawn Cline |
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One of the most common charges people face in Hampton Roads is simple possession of marijuana, in other words, possession of marijuana for personal use and not for distribution. Possession of marijuana for personal use in Virginia is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, and a fine of $500. In addition, and perhaps even more damaging, any individual convicted of possession of marijuana will by operation of law have their drivers license suspended for 6 months. These penalties do not even factor in the lifelong affect of having a drug conviction on your permanent record when you apply for jobs, school, the military, etc.
The Virginia Code allows for what is called the "first offender program" for first time marijuana possession charges. To be entered into this program, you must enter a plea of guilty or no contest to the charge, complete a substance abuse assessment, and complete a drug education and/or treatment program based upon the recommendation of the substance abuse assessment. You bear the costs of these programs (which are substantial), as well as all court costs. Anyone enrolled in the program will be required to complete at least 24 hours of community service (but the judge may order more), and will be subject to random drug testing while enrolled in the program. The charge is then dismissed at the end of a year if the individual successfully completes these requirements. However, even though the charge is ultimately dismissed (if you do everything right), the 6 month drivers license suspension still applies the same as if you had been found guilty.
I provide this information because the prosecutor will offer the first offender program in the vast majority of cases where individuals are eligible. But just because it is offered does not mean it is a good deal. Depending upon the facts and circumstances of your case, there may be ways to beat this charge outright; so that you protect your clean record, your drivers license, and your future.
Prosecutors are eager to offer first offender status to those who are eligible because proving a marijuana charge is a lot of work for them! Be wary of a defense lawyer who pushes the first offender program on you without thoroughly examining the possible avenues for acquittal in your case.
Was the marijuana seized lawfully? If it was found in your home, why was the officer there in the first place? If it was in your car, why were the officers searching your car? Was it found on you, or just near you? If you made any statements, are they admissible against you in court? Did the officer complete the chain of custody forms? Were these forms maintained to the evidence locker? Was the marijuana field tested? Was it sent to the laboratory in Richmond? And on and on and on...
There are so many ways for an aggressive attorney to attack a possession of marijuana charge. If all you are doing is shopping around to find the cheapest lawyer in town for your marijuana charge, then you are simply accepting the first offender program as a foregone conclusion. Hire a lawyer who will fight for you, not one who will take the first deal the Commonwealth offers.
Whatever you think about marijuana laws in this country (here is information on an organization seeking to change them), if you are facing a marijuana charge in Virginia, the stakes are high. If you are going to hire a lawyer, hire one willing and ready to fight for your rights!
We are waiting for your call...
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| November 11, 2010 |
| But the Officer Didn't Even Read me my Rights! |
| Posted By Shawn Cline |
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Clients frequently tell me that the arresting officer did not read them their rights. While this always piques my interest, it is not always critical in the ultimate outcome of the case. We all watch television and movies, and through these media were are inundated with the idea that police officers have to read suspects their rights. This is true... sometimes. The rights we are talking about come from the case of Miranda v. Arizona, a 1966 Supreme Court case establishing the requirement that officers must advise a suspect of their rights to (a) remain silent, and (b) have counsel present at a custodial interrogation.
The reality is that rights advisements are only required for suspects who are "in custody" and being "interrogated". So how do law enforcement officers get around this requirement? Well, for starters, they may tell you before beginning an interview that "you are free to leave at any time". By saying this, you are no longer considered to be "in custody". Unfortunately, many people are so intimidated by their surroundings (police station, badges, guns, etc.) that they do not really feel free to leave, no matter what the officer says. Also, officers will often gather all the incriminating statements they need before placing someone under arrest. Then, after the arrest, they will not ask them any questions at all. I see this all the time. Individuals confess to committing crimes while they are not in custody, and then are upset that the officer did not read them their rights after the officer placed them under arrest. The officer did not read them their rights because he was done with his questioning before he arrested them! It's that simple. No rights advisement is required if no questions are asked. In fact, if a talkative suspect feels the need to spill the beans without being asked any questions at all, officers are not required to stop him for a rights advisement. The statement is treated as voluntary and can be used in court.
Miranda warnings are some of the most contentious areas of criminal law. Aggressive prosecutors and vote-seeking politicians have been eating away at this fundamental American right since 1966. Are you facing criminal charges where you made statements against your interest? Call us! We may be able to help! Miranda v. Arizona is your ally, let's sit down and see how it can be applied to your case. |
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