Marijuana Breathalyzer Test Coming to the United States
The National Institute of Science and Technology has earmarked $1.4 million to study roadside cannabis chemical tests. This study is part of an overall effort headed by the National Institute of Justice. So far, the NIJ has committed over $14 million to over two dozen marijuana breathalyzer researchers. “With these awards, NIJ continues its dedication […]
U.S. House Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill
Three Republicans joined all but two Democrats in approving marijuana decriminalization at the federal level. In addition to decriminalizing most possession matters, the measure would also allow the Veteran Administration to prescribe medical marijuana, allow marijuana users to keep their security clearances, and expunge some old possession of marijuana records. Such histories “haunt people of […]
Successfully Resolving Cocaine Possession Cases
Many people are familiar with the tragic story of Len Bias. In the early 1980s, Bias was a basketball star at the University of Maryland. Some people said he was better than Michael Jordan. Based on Bias’ highlight reel, they might have been right. In 1986, the Boston Celtics made Bias their number one pick. […]
Drug Trafficking Crimes in Georgia
Unintentional poisonings, mostly drug overdoses, are the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. So, there is immense pressure on law enforcement to “do something” about this issue. Mostly because the cases are relatively straightforward and easier to prove in court, most drug arrests are for simple possession. However, any time they have […]
Breaking Down a Cobb County Drugged Driving Claim
During certain times, as many as a fifth of area drivers are under the influence of drugs. This figure may be artificially low, as it does not include drivers who are under the influence of an over-the-counter medication, such as NyQuil, Sominex, or Benadryl. Prescription painkillers, such as Oxycontin and Fentanyl, are the most common […]
Drug Trafficking Charges in Cobb County: A Closer Look
Law enforcement has become increasingly aggressive when it comes to large-scale drug trafficking cases. Since 2011, heroin trafficking arrests have increased 50 percent. Collectively, heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana account for about 90 percent of all drug trafficking arrests in the United States. Drug trafficking is a serious felony, and although laws have moderated somewhat […]
Defendant’s Battered Person Syndrome
Appeals Court Grants New Trial Because Defense Counsel Did Not Address Defendant’s Battered Person Syndrome Battered Person Syndrome is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder in which a person who has been subjected to chronic abuse believes that, among other things, she deserves it. She will often become submissive and apologetic to her abuser until […]
Search Warrants Obtained with Confidential Informants
Police obtained a warrant to search a residence after receiving a tip from a confidential informant. The search led to a charge of trafficking methamphetamine and other crimes against a defendant, which prompted her to file a motion to suppress evidence in Cobb Superior Court. The court denied the motion, and the defendant appealed, believing […]
Treatment Instead of Incarceration
A mother’s loss spurs her to save others from her tragedy The co-founder and executive director of the Davis Direction Foundation attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Zone recently. The Marietta Daily Journal reported that Cobb County’s District Attorney and Attorney General appeared at the opening with about 100 supporters. The Zone is “the culmination […]
Time Taken for Drug-Sniffing Dog Not Enough to Block Motion to Suppress
The police stopped two men for a lane change violation, and during the time it took the officer to complete an identity check on the passenger, he discovered the existence of drugs through the use of his dog. He searched the vehicle, having been provided probable cause, and discovered nearly ten pounds of marijuana. The […]
