Prosecutor’s Statements about DNA evidence results in New Trial for Criminal Defendant

After a jury trial, the defendant was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. A new trial is ordered because of the prosecutor’s statements regarding DNA evidence. The weight of the evidence was against the defendant. A gun was found and the defendant confessed. It is important to note, irrespective of the reasons for why it was done, that the prosecutor’s statements are what gives rise to a new trial.

The facts are as follows

On the evening of September 13, 2012, two officers of the Buffalo Police Department were patrolling a high crime area on the east side of the city when they saw a vehicle stop abruptly outside of a house. Defendant exited the vehicle, looked several times at the officers’ patrol car, and walked quickly towards the back of the house. The officers suspected defendant of trespassing and quietly followed him, approaching the house from different directions. They lost sight of defendant for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Defendant suddenly emerged from behind the house, and one officer began questioning him about his behavior. The other officer reported that he had seen defendant “standing next to” a blue City of Buffalo garbage tote located nearby. When one officer lifted the lid of the garbage tote, defendant dropped his head and said, “oh man.” A loaded gun was inside. Defendant was arrested and confessed to having possessed the gun.

Although the ” Defendant moved to suppress the gun and his statements to the police, arguing that he abandoned the gun in response to unlawful police pursuit and that he was arrested without probable cause,” (id. at p.2), the Court only suppressed the statements, finding that the Police were engaged in observation and not pursuit. While the Court finds that the evidence here is sufficient to support the conviction, the Court finds that the statements made by the prosecutor should result in a new trial.

Statements that the prosecutor makes can result in a new trial. Holistic representation, meaning handling the civil and criminal aspects of a charge, trial and appeals is something that most firms shy away from, saying that they "don't do that" while we embrace it.

Prosecutorial misconduct can result in a new criminal defense trial and, in some instances, may have civil ramifications to which a criminal defense attorney may even know about and a public defender/legal aid society attorney may not even touch (usually limited to the criminal defense and not any civil matters).

Criminal Charges? Civil Rights matters? Suspended from School? Substance Abuse, Criminal Charges, DWI DUI DWAI, Accountability, Accident and Injury issues, Call the Law Offices of Cory H. Morris, 631-450-2515 (NYS) (954) 998-2918 (FLA)