Felony Firearm Case Dismissed Due to Illegal Search of Vehicle
September 2020
A felon in possession of a firearm, a mandatory 5-year sentence, was dismissed because of an illegal search of the client's vehicle.
The judge agreed with C. Thomas Brown's argument that the police improperly prolonged a traffic stop waiting for a K-9. Under Maryland law, the police must process the reason for a routine traffic infraction by issuing citations, etc. and not delay the driver more than is necessary to process the reason for the stop.
The court suppressed all evidence and the State dismissed the charges.
Practice area(s): Criminal Defense
Court: Circuit Court for Cecil County