An officer of the Port St. Lucie Police Department made a traffic stop on our client, who was present in his car with his girlfriend and baby. The officer began to immediately question our client about his prior use of drugs and eventually received consent to search his car. The officer located the remains of a marijuana joint in the driver’s side door panel behind some paperwork. Our client adamantly denied knowledge of the substance in his car; however, he admitted on camera that he last smoked marijuana the proceeding week. Our client was arrested and faced serious consequences to his professional career as a computer engineer for a well known company. Defense counsel demanded a jury trial. The evidence, as presented by Defense Counsel, brought to light that our client’s brother was known to borrow the car and would occasionally smoke marijuana inside it. Furthermore, the evidence showed the officer failed to take necessary steps that could have proved knowledge, including testing the joint for DNA or finger prints. Lastly, the evidence suggested the officer may have used racial profiling which biased his ultimate decision in making the arrest. At the conclusion of trial, the jury deliberated for approximately ten minutes before returning a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
DUI & Criminal Division
