Case of Maryland vs.Pringle

Case of Maryland vs. Pringle

Introduction

The case begins as a car racing by is caught by a police officer early in the morning. When searched the car he discovers $763 of rolledup cash plus five glassine baggies of cocaine. Three men were travelling in the car who totally refused to accept that the cash and cocaine belonged to them, hence the officer took them all to prison for further investigation.

Out of these three men Pringle was one of those who was caught in an incident very much familiar to this one on August 7, 1999 at 3:16 a.m. Donte Partlow, the driver of the car which was speeding over was investigated for any violations but his record was clear. Then also they were three of them one of them being Pringle. All of them were arrested and in the morning, Pringle confessed and accepted that he owned the drug that was found in the car and the other passengers had no clue about them hence making them get released.

Discussion

Facts of the Case

The trial court refused to accept saying that the case was on an illegal arrest and that Pringle should have held back his act of confession, declaring that the officer must have some other cause for arresting Pringle. While the jury condmened Pringle of ownership and distribution of cocaine. He was hence sentenced for ten years of imprisonment without having an opportunity of getting bailed. The case was confirme by the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland.

Issues before the Court

The Court of Appeals of Maryland, reversed stating that specific facts are missing which reveal Pringle's knowledge about handling distribution and control of drugs. Also Pringle was travelling on the front seat of the car so how could cocaine that was found out through the back seat could ...