Third-Hand Meth Contamination in Cars Poses Hidden Danger to Buyers and Renters by Jo Ellen Nott by Jo Ellen Nott New research from Flinders University in South Australia, published in Forensic Chemistry, reveals a troubling public health risk: cars used for smoking, manufacturing, or transporting methamphetamine harbor significant drug residues, …

Florida Supreme Court Announces Completed ‘Purchase’ of Drugs Under Trafficking Statute Requires Exchange of Money and Possession by David Reutter by David M. Reutter The Supreme Court of Florida held that for purposes of § 893.135(1), Florida Statutes, a completed drug trafficking by purchase “requires proof that the defendant both …

Arizona Supreme Court Announces Jury Unanimity Required Regarding Narcotic Type Under Possession Statute by Anthony Accurso by Anthony W. Accurso The Supreme Court of Arizona held that “the identity of an alleged narcotic drug is an element of ARS § 13-3408, and therefore jury unanimity is required.” Jorge Romero-Millan, Ernesto Hernandez …

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals: Under State Felon in Possession of Firearm Statute, Possessing Multiple Firearms Simultaneously Constitutes One Offense, Not Multiple by Douglas Ankney by Douglas Ankney The Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas held that possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a “circumstances offense;” consequently, …

Tenth Circuit: Where Defendant Actually Sentenced to Drug Treatment and Probation Rather Than 28-32 Months in Prison as Per State Sentencing Guidelines, Conviction Can’t Serve as Predicate ‘Felony’ for 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) by Dale Chappell by Dale Chappell The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit held that …