Minneapolis, MN criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry talks about a memorable drug case he handled. He recounts a recent drug case involving an African-American client who was stopped by police in downtown Minneapolis under the pretext of running a red light, an infraction he did not commit. Officers claimed they smelled marijuana and observed what they described as marijuana flakes on the car seat. In reality, the client did not smoke marijuana, the vehicle had no odor, and no marijuana was present.

Despite this, the officers removed him from the vehicle, arrested him, and transported him to the police station, where they discovered a firearm and cocaine—offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences in Minnesota. At the omnibus hearing, he moved to suppress the evidence on the grounds that the search was unlawful and based on false assertions by the officers. He sequestered the witnesses and cross-examined them individually to prevent coordination of testimony. The judge ultimately found the officers’ testimony unreliable and dismissed all charges, allowing his client to walk free.