Pot Bust Charges Dropped
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: June 20, 2007
Rod Hobson, Attorney at Law:
"It did bring back that very pleasant memory for me."
Local attorney Rod Hobson remembers the huge pot bust from back in March. Over 2200 pounds of marijuana was found in the back of Perales semi and he was arrested right then and there. Now, hes considered a free man after passing a polygraph test. And Hobson says thats not unusual.
"I wouldnt say it was unusual, not necessarily. In federal court I dont think it happens a lot, but in state court they use polygraph routinely as another investigative type tool. In many cases, or some cases, theyve been dismissed under polygraph results."
But in this case, there was so much marijuana, it went to federal court. Hobson says, had it gone to trial, that polygraph test couldnt be used as evidence.
"Federal courts do not allow polygraph evidence to be considered as evidence in a criminal trial."
So Hobson says Perales go lucky. And in a similar trial that he covered, Hobson says using a polygraph test is a great idea.
"Had we been able to use the polygraph, that might have been a quicker way to resolve the case."
