Normand & Associates

Other Criminal Case Results

Drugs

 

State v. MJ, (Hillsborough County-2003):  In 2000,U.S.Customs officials in Anchorage Alaska intercepted a UPS package addressed to MJ’s residence in New Hampshire.  Although the shipping manifest indicated the package contained Retamine (tree bark), inspectors determined the package contained over 1 kg of Ketamine (Special K).  Customs officials alerted Manchester-based DEA agents who subsequently notified the NH Drug Task Force.  NHDTF made a controlled delivery of the package to MJ’s residence, conducted a search of the residence, including MJ’s computer.  MJ was arrested and charged with Attempted Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Sell Subsequent and Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Drug with the Intent to Sell Subsequent. He remained free on bail pending trial.  This was the biggest Special K bust in State history.  In addition, MJ had a prior drug conviction on his record.  Each of these charges carried a maximum sentence of 7½ – 15 years in State Prison and a $200,000 fine.  Not surprisingly, the Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the case initially believed that at least 12-months in jail followed by intensive probation would be appropriate if MJ agreed to plead guilty to both charges.

 

Over the course of almost a year of pretrial litigation, we filed multiple motions doggedly attacking the warrants and related searches in the case.  In one of our last motions, we cited to a case out of the State of Florida to support our client’s legal position.  To his credit, the Senior Assistant Attorney General agreed to recommend a no time deal after reviewing this final motion and the Florida case cited therein. During the plea and sentencing hearing that followed, the prosecutor referred to the issues raised by defense counsel as part of the rationale underlying the State’s sentencing recommendation which did not include any stand committed jail time.  MJ, his long-time girlfriend, and six-month-old baby were happy and grateful.  Result:  No Jail Time

 

Violent Crime

 

State v. AF, (Hillsborough County-2003):  AF was charged with felony Criminal Restraint, Kidnapping, Robbery, and two counts of misdemeanor Simple Assault against his ex-girlfriend.  The State’s evidence appeared overwhelming.  Initially, AF was represented by a Public Defender with over 20 years experience who, not unreasonably, advised AF to accept a plea bargain.  We inherited the case.  On advice of counsel, as part of his trial strategy, AF took the rather unorthodox step of admitting to one of the misdemeanor Simple Assaults.  After a three-day trial, the Jury found AF not guilty of all charges except the Simple Assault he admitted to prior to trial.  Result:  Not Guilty

 

Criminal Solicitation

 

State v. RH, (Carroll County-2007):  We represented RH who was accused of soliciting one inmate to assault another inmate while he was employed as a corrections officer.  The prosecutor insisted on a felony plea even though the alleged victim was not seriously injured and RH had no criminal history.  After a four-day trial, the jury found RH not guilty. RH subsequently sued the County and obtained a sizeable civil judgment for wrongful termination.  Result:  Not Guilty

 

Sexual Assault/Rape

 

State v. RW, (Rockingham County-2010):  We represented this 61-year-old grandfather who was charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault and two counts of Felonious Sexual Assault on his 7-year-old granddaughter.  The two aggravated charges each carried a maximum sentence of 10-20 years in State Prison.  The other two charges each carried a maximum sentence of 3½ – 7 years in State Prison.  RW, who had a criminal record, but no prior sexual assault convictions, would have spent the better part of the rest of his life in State Prison if convicted.  After a three-day trial, the jury found RW not guilty of all charges.  Result:  Not Guilty