Unfortunately, they did not get to see the exchange between Broccoletti and Ebert about getting the detective back from Georgia. Ebert fought that as hard as I’ve seen him fight anything. If the jury had been able to see that, it really would have made them wonder why he doesn’t want this guy around.

Broccoletti should use this point to make it clear to the jury that prosecution has actually lied to them.

I’ll say. Bring this up every time you can to reinforce with the jurors that the prosecutor is someone they cannot trust. Whatever he says is then tainted by that opening lie.

How can he be growing weed in an unheated garage in january in virginia?

He had magic marijuana seeds obviously.

My gut feeling is that the case is going to result in a hung jury; you’ll have some jurors who will discuss the merits and facts of the case and whether the elements of the crime have been proven by the state (and will likely conclude they haven’t), vs. the law and order “did drugs, shot cop, no further questions” types who you won’t ever be able to convince.

Oh you don’t need to see the actual house where it happened.

Oh you don’t need to see our video taped re-enactment.

Just be a good rubber stamp and vote guilty like you’re supposed to!

The visit to RF’s home wasn’t cancelled, it was postponed, largely to accommodate the officer coming back from training. They will visit later, in spite of the prosecution’s vigorous objections.

A very great deal hangs on whether or not Ryan Frederick is a liar, or is to be perceived as one. If they believe his story then he can go free. If they think he is lying in court then he will be found guilty. A great deal of effort, therefore, must go into maintaining his credibility.

“On Monday, jurors could be seen smiling and smirking as prosecutors passed around books, such as “The Best of Ask Ed: Your Marijuana Questions Answered,” and “Spliffs 2: Future Adventures in Cannabis Culture.” (Spliff is a slang term for a marijuana cigarette.)

Magazines titled High Times and Skunk also were shown.”

(va pilot article)

Thanks John. Of course now comes the dreaded follow up question… How can he be growing weed in an unheated garage in january in virginia?

All of which means Willett had zero evidence for the “stoned out of his mind” and “blind rage” description of Frederick he made to jurors in his opening statement. I’m not sure what Broccoletti can do about that, other than to remind the jury during his closing, and to take note of it all for the appeal should Frederick be convicted

Broccoletti should use this point to make it clear to the jury that prosecution has actually lied to them. He really needs to do his best to make the jury believe that the prosecution would do anything, say anything to make this man go to prison.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/chillin-garage

“Some homeowners in Hampton Roads have transformed their drafty carports into cozy entertainment parlors. Check out folks like The Futtrells who have tricked-out their garage with heaters, air conditioners and cushy carpeting to host weekly merrymaking…”

Gregory, here’s the shocker…

The Police ACTUALLY BELIEVE that a shock and awe campaign during the breach phase of a raid will actually result in LESS risk, not more.

The reason they believe this… as far as I can tell, is that the Police Culture reinforces this delusion through constant reaffirmation.It’s almost like a cult of some kind.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but what possible justification do the cops have for this tactic? How could it have possibly gone any worse had they either raided his house during the day, or god forbid, knocked and waited for him to come to the door? What’s he going to do, flush the lights, tubing and books down the toilet along with the pot he’s been growing?

Also, just how does someone who smokes enough pot that he grows his own end up “stoned out of his mind”? I’ve smoked a fair amount of weed in my life, and there are only a handful of occasions where I would say I was “stoned out of my mind”, the first several times I smoked and after I’d taken a break of at least a couple weeks, and I certainly don’t smoke as much as your typical recreational grower. Even if he was “stoned out of his mind”, wouldn’t that make it more likely he didn’t realize he was dealing with the police? Does marijuana make one more likely to knowingly shoot a cop in a situation where you’d immediately be apprehended?

For me to vote guilty the prosecution would have to prove that this guy had no intent on doing anything for the rest of his life or that he has an IQ so low that he’s borderline not fit for trial.

This “garage” is more of a large shed (about 10 x 10) with a 12 pitch (45 degree angle) roof – it has a small attic, where most of the “grow op” equipment was located…

If the prosecutor alleges something in the opening statement, and it’s likely that they’ll be able to prove it, jurors may react more negatively to attempts to deny or ignore the allegation than to attempts to suggest that the alleged behavior doesn’t support the rest of the prosecution’s case. If the defense argues about whether the defendant had grown any pot and the prosecutor convinces the jury that he did, the jury would view the defendant in a negative light when considering the other charges.

I haven’t seen his version of what I sent yet – if you’re interested plug into tidewaterliberty.com

Gee, I hope the cops don’t start calling me names again – I’m just SO HURT!