Cocaine-Related Conviction Dismissed
In September 2010, Attorney Scott Gross’ client Khurram S. was convicted of drug possession charges. Police had stopped the Queens resident after he ran a red light in Massapequa, and claimed that they found cocaine in his glove compartment. Khurram denied knowledge of the cocaine, but was found guilty by a jury.
Attorney Scott Gross Gets Case Thrown Out
Since his conviction, Khurram has been awaiting sentencing in a county jail. During his appeal, Attorney Scott Gross, along with Attorney Brian Griffin, worked to demonstrate that the testing performed at the police crime lab was faulty. This defense was supported by a November 2011 report from Ellen Biben, the New York State Inspector General, in which she details a “tortured history” of evidence problems at this particular crime lab. This action followed the February 2011 closure of the lab.
Following the arguments from Attorneys Gross and Griffin, their motion to dismiss the verdict was consented to by the prosecution. Nassau Judge Tammy Robbins dismissed the cocaine charges, marking the first time a drug conviction has been dismissed after a verdict due to testing errors in the lab.
The spokesman for District Attorney Kathleen Rice, John Byrne, stated that “Given the breadth of the hearing, the extensive resources already dedicated to this case, and the fact that the defendant has been incarcerated for more than 500 days, this plea agreement disposes of this case fairly without additional cost to the taxpayers.”
Lab Has a History of Faulty Testing
This is far from the only case which has been impacted by issues with laboratory testing. Two drunk driving convictions have already been thrown out in Nassau, faulting unreliable lab testing. Another man convicted of cocaine-related charges is seeking to have his case dismissed on appeals due to laboratory errors.
Hire a Creative & Knowledgeable Defense Attorney
If you’ve been convicted of a crime, it’s crucial to have a defense attorney on your side how knows how to win cases. Attorney Scott Gross has the skills and expertise to get charges dismissed, and knows exactly what to look for to build an effective defense.
Protect your future and your freedom. Call The Law Offices of Scott Gross today at (631) 714-7894.