How the police handle a case from the moment they contact you until they are testifying in court is crucial. This case shows just how important it is for a defense attorney to look at all the fact surrounding your case, including how the police spoke to you, why they stopped you, and how they came about finding the evidence against you.
Twenty nine year old Tor Bishop was staying in a hotel when he was stopped in the parking lot by two officers. The officers claim he was stopped because he had a taillight out. What happens next is somewhat fuzzy.
Officer Derek Brown testified under oath that dispatch told him Bishop’s license was suspended. They searched Bishop and found a hotel room key, searched the room, and found a firearm belonging to the parolee. He was arrested and charged with a felony weapons offense.
However, a dispatch recording revealed that Bishop’s license was valid and that dispatch never said anything to the contrary. The motel clerk testified that the officers requested a key from the front desk and that no key was found on Bishop.
In addition, Bishop had a girlfriend staying in the motel room with him so defense argued there was no clear connection between him and the weapon.
Needless to say the judge found the search of the hotel room to be invalid and the case was thrown out.
This is a prime example of how bad police work can ruin a case for the prosecution and also how the criminal justice system is designed to protect citizens.
If you are facing criminal charges and concerned that your rights may have been violated, it is my job to investigate all of the aspects of your arrest. As your attorney I would do my best to ensure your case is adamantly defended in court.
Call our defense attorneys today to discuss the specific details of your criminal case, anywhere in California.