Drug Offenses Recent Case Summaries

Client was charged with possession of a narcotic and assaulting a police officer. We brought a successful Charter application challenging the legality of the client’s arrest and the search of the motor vehicle.

Client was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The Crown alleged the client attempted to abandon a cache of cocaine when police arrived. Two officers testified they observed the client in possession of the drugs. At trial, we successfully argued that the officers were mistaken in their observations.

Client was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Police discovered the client had escaped from a halfway house and was operating a crack lab in his apartment. Officers forced entry, and the client fled by climbing down balconies until police caught him. We successfully argued the apartment search was illegal and the client’s right to counsel was breached upon arrest. All evidence, including a substantial quantity of crack cocaine and loaded firearms, was excluded.

Client was charged with possession of cocaine. Police observed the client in a parking lot pull a small bag of powder cocaine from his pocket while parked beside an unmarked police van. After a guilty plea, we successfully argued that the circumstances warranted a conditional discharge rather than a conviction.

Client was charged with possession of marijuana and failure to comply with a recognizance. Police found the client in an area prohibited by his bail conditions. When officers approached, the client was seen throwing a bag of marijuana to the ground. We brought a successful Charter application arguing unreasonable delay, resulting in all charges being withdrawn.

Client was charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and failure to comply with a probation order. Police stopped the client’s vehicle for speeding, smelled burnt marijuana, and searched the vehicle. Officers found five kilograms of marijuana, twenty-eight grams of cocaine, $1,570 in cash, and a digital scale. We successfully negotiated the withdrawal of all charges before trial.