Not Guilty of Dealing Drugs Resulting in Death After Hamilton County-to-Kokomo Delivery
The Situation
A Hamilton County client sold drugs to the eventual decedent's girlfriend. She later traveled to Kokomo, delivered drugs to her boyfriend, and he died after receiving them.
The Legal Challenge and Strategy
The defense focused on the break in the chain between the client's sale and the death. Attorney Nicholson argued that the State could not exclude contamination, alteration, or another intervening act while the drugs were in the girlfriend's possession.
The Result
The jury found the client not guilty of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death.
Why It Matters
A tragic death does not eliminate the State's obligation to prove causation beyond a reasonable doubt. Highlighting the uncontrolled transfer and intervening possession created reasonable doubt.
Practice area(s): Criminal Defense
Court: Howard County
