cannabisnews.com: 9 Officers Cited for Contempt in Pot Case





9 Officers Cited for Contempt in Pot Case
Posted by CN Staff on January 08, 2004 at 09:06:05 PT
By Ellen Miller, Special To The News
Source: Rocky Mountain News 
In a collision of federal and state drug laws, nine law enforcement officers, including a federal drug agent, were issued contempt citations Wednesday and ordered by a judge to appear in court Feb. 2 to explain why they shouldn't be jailed or fined.Routt County Court Judge James Garrecht had ordered the officers to return 2 ounces of marijuana seized in an October raid of Don Nord's apartment.
Nord, 57, who suffers from cancer, diabetes and other maladies, has a certificate from the state's medical marijuana registry allowing him to use and grow small amounts of marijuana.His misdemeanor ticket for possession was dismissed after prosecutors said the citation was lost. The judge ordered authorities to return Nord's growing equipment, pipes and 2 ounces of marijuana.The Drug Enforcement Agency, however, refused to comply, saying federal law supersedes state law and makes no provision for medical marijuana.Nord's growing equipment, however, was returned. State authorities said the marijuana was sent to a DEA lab, as per usual procedure in Moffat, Routt and Grand counties.Eight of the nine officers involved in the raid work for northwestern Colorado law enforcement agencies, while the ninth was a DEA agent."I'm happy the court wants to enforce its order, and I hope they give my client his medicine back," said Kris Hammond, Nord's attorney. "It'll be interesting."The court scheduled a "show cause" hearing, where the officers will have to explain to the judge why they should not be held in contempt.Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)Author: Ellen Miller, Special To The NewsPublished: January 8, 2004Copyright: 2004 Denver Publishing Co.Contact: letters denver-rmn.com Website: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/Related Articles:DEA Should Give Back Patient's Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18085.shtmlMarijuana Fight Continues http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18070.shtmlFederal Authorities Refuse To Return Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18061.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #29 posted by kaptinemo on January 09, 2004 at 04:10:58 PT:
FF asks some very cogent questions
*Key to the story is, now, why the hell there's a DEA agent who supposedly are to focus on big time DRUG kingpin bothering an old man who could not even run. And why are the State of Colorado have federalized the "state" cops?
I really want to know how the hell these people find Don Nord?*Yes, indeed. Why waste so much of the taxpayer's dollars hunting small fry? Particularly, obviously debilitated small fry? In the belief that he could be leaned on to provide the names of his suppliers? When it is as clear as recon camera glass that he was supplying *himself*?Odd, isn't it, how they never seem to catch the people they created the laws for? The Big Cheeses, the Top Dogs, the Drug Kings? The ones who are supposed to have hundreds of millions stashed away in the Caymans...like Georgie's good buddy "Kenny Boy" Lay has? It's always some poor schmuck who either needs it desperately or is a low-level supplier.Such brave, brave DrugWarriors...whupping up on a helpless cripple. They must have gotten bored pulling wings off of flies.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #28 posted by freedom fighter on January 08, 2004 at 21:35:51 PT
On personal note
I know who that Judge is. If I got caught with a joint, I much rather spend my time with this man. He will not do what's right just for anyone but for everyone. He is fair but strict. He is a no nonsense type of a Judge that does not put up with anyone's BS. As long you are straight with him, he will be straight with you.Key to the story is, now, why the hell there's a DEA agent who supposedly are to focus on big time DRUG kingpin bothering an old man who could not even run. And why are the State of Colorado have federalized the "state" cops?I really want to know how the hell these people find Don Nord? spit!pazff
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #27 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 21:18:17 PT
westnyc
Sometimes I'm not sure why these changes are happening but some of them are really thought provoking for me.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #26 posted by westnyc on January 08, 2004 at 20:33:40 PT
If only they "Lead By Example"
FOM - I agree with you wholeheartedly! I wish I could use the word "honorable" in reference to our Supreme Court Justices. I wish I could look to them for wisdom! If they would lead by example and set the right ideals by upholding the Bill of Rights; and, perhaps initiate a litte "judicial revolution" instead of assisting the corruption - maybe the lower court judges wouldn't have to resort to a little "revolution" of their own. It was said that Sandra Day O'Connor was overheard remarking that her deciding vote to make Bush president "would cost her, her place in history." Yes! I think it did.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #25 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 18:29:22 PT
goneposthole
My husband and I were just talking about judges and how they feel and why they are standing up and speaking out. It's very interesting when you start thinking about it all. A judge should have one quality above all the others and that is wisdom in my opinion. A wise judge is a good and fair judge. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by Virgil on January 08, 2004 at 18:27:55 PT
Stooge slap AssKKKroft, Waltters, and Bu$h
I am thinking of Judge Gray, but I am sure a lot of Judges would love to get AssKKKroft, Walters, and Bu$h close enough for a good Stooge slap. How can a person that wants to promote justice not be upset at all the injustice? These are intelligent people that know how bad things are.AssKKKroft dartboards are what they wanted from Santa.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by goneposthole on January 08, 2004 at 18:11:45 PT
victims of Asperger Syndrome?
The comtempt citations may have a remedial effect. Judges get surily when they are ignored and not heeded.If I were the DEA, I would give the weed back to Mr. Nord. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by Global_warming on January 08, 2004 at 18:00:01 PT
A Prayer
20:27 1/8/2004 ETWith Each StepWe can grow closer to our bonds,
That keep us silent,
With each day and each breath,
We can get closer,The Nomads and 2nd class life forms,
Each have a vote,
Not a vote for a president,
But a vote in the Night,
A vote against the demons
A vote against the unforgiven
A vote that says
"We will not" be taken,We stand, and will not be forsaken,
Our life, breath, and existence,
Will forever remind us,
That all Life is but a gift,
A gift from the infinite,..As worlds collide and the justice
Of this world evolves,
In the end,
There will be only the righteous,
Those that have penetrated the vails,
That obscure our place on this stage,With our deeds, we shall stand before,
The ediface of the "unseen"
In humble anger,For our ability to ask for forgiveness,
Shall be measured by our forgiveness,
And our our acts of forveness.The unsung heroes shall forever pass,
Their songs and poems,
Shall haunt us into the shrouds of time,
We shall like good hunters,Turn each grain of sand,
To find them,Their songs and prayers, will haunt us,
Each and all, untill the end of time..gw
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 17:33:09 PT
yippierevolutionary
I don't see how that could be done because I don't do news that I would write or anyone else would write. I do news and NORML's weekly press release. That's why the link was put on the page for those who support Kucinich as a favor to them.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by yippierevolutionary on January 08, 2004 at 17:24:42 PT
I have seen the link
I just thought it would be cool to "officially endorse" the way newspapers do. In Regards to the article: I have a feeling that these cops are going to get some token jail time. It's just a hunch but I think the judge won't tolerate people not listening to his authoritar.In Regards to EJ and Kaptinnemo: I think you guys are right. The judiciary has been pushed too far. I was talking to a dittohead type real estate broker the other day whose as hard core republican as they come and he really didn't like bush because he recognizes him as a traitor to true conservative principles.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 17:18:04 PT
yippierevolutionary 
You must have missed the link. It is on the left side of the front page. http://www.cannabisnews.com/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by yippierevolutionary on January 08, 2004 at 17:12:49 PT
Dennis on ABC
I watched the interview too and I liked it accept for the part about when Dennis was mayor of Cleveland and the MUNY power incident. The narrator just said the city was in financial trouble and went into default, but did not say it was because of collusion between the bank and the private power company that Dennis refused to sell out too.Dennis had a tough childhood and its evident in his policies. I watched an interview on C-Span and his eyes were getting a little teary when he talked about the time he spent in an orphanage.FoM I was thinking Cannabisnews should officially endorse Dennis for president. What do you guys think about that?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 15:55:24 PT
The GCW
I watched the news and it was a nice personal interview with Dennis. He talked about growing up in a large family and getting involved in politics at a young age. I thought it went well.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by E_Johnson on January 08, 2004 at 15:36:54 PT
kaptinemo another reason why judges matter
Judges have political connections and also hobnob with the wealthy.A rebellion against Bush amongst the judiciary could unsettle the foundations of his public support without Bush ever realizing it.A thousand angry warriors, each equipped with a patient temperment, courtrooms under their control, political connections up the wazoo, and a big old professional axe to grind...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by E_Johnson on January 08, 2004 at 15:31:17 PT
kaptinemo Judge Matz was very stressed out
I could see that the LACRC case was very tough on him emotionally. He put himself out on a limb by citing the "lesser harm" doctrine. I don't think it really exists in an official sense. He risked his legal reputation on that decision. People of different political ideologies still care about humanity, just in different ways.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by mayan on January 08, 2004 at 15:07:12 PT
Criminals
It's nice to see the tables turned once in a while. We're not the criminals. The drug warriors are the criminals! Many judges are certainly pissed off that Asscrotch has told them how to do their jobs. Expect more of the same. The way out..."Bush Knew" Ad Is Finalist in "Bush in 30 Seconds" Ad Contest!(Please vote for it!)
http://www.moveon.org/bushin30seconds/people/Countdown to the 9/11 Commission Whitewash:
http://www.septembereleventh.org/countdown.php9/11 For The Truth - Mariani vs. Bush:   
http://www.911forthetruth.com/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by The GCW on January 08, 2004 at 14:57:40 PT
Dennis, on, in a few minutes.
Don't miss Dennis Kucinich's interview between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time tonight, January 8th, on ABC's World News Tonight. And catch Dennis in the Washington, D.C., debate on C-Span tomorrow morning 10 - 11 a.m. ET.If anyone watches, please give a commentary... for the TVless.Also:Check out this amazing collection of photos from the recent all-star concert in Austin! http://resources.kucinich.us/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=50 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by kaptinemo on January 08, 2004 at 14:00:40 PT:
On this, I tend to agree with E_J
Judges have been chafed raw by the imperial edicts regarding mandatory minimums from 'War'-shington for a long time. Some may have taken their umbrage from a purely Constitutional viewpoint of Federal encroachment upon an arena that in the past was the sole province of the States.And others? Just a plain old turf battle, and the Pee-pull don't figure at all.Now, they are fed up, and see their chance to rock the boat. Whatever their motivations, this may be the opening salvo on a front the Republicans are very vulnerable to. Namely, the old hypocrisy of their support of "State's Rights" only so long as it's convenient for the Feds to accept and acknowledge them, and not otherwise.The spillover onto what amounts to 9th and 10th Amendment matters gets dangerously close to the Republican's core groups, who've been back-seated since the Imperialists (they are NOT 'conservatives' of ANY stripe!) hijacked the 2000 election.A failure on the part of the Republican leadership to satisfactorily address this issue and thereby alienating core groups could be the blade of grass that cracks the Republican monolith in 2004. Let 'er rip! This could get real interesting.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by E_Johnson on January 08, 2004 at 12:55:14 PT
The judges are fighting back
I think Bushcroft has pushed the judiciary too far.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by john wayne on January 08, 2004 at 12:40:41 PT
judge must have lost golf game to police chief
judges and drug cops conflicting over drug war activity? Hah. Don't be too hopeful, this is quite unlikely to end up going against the cops. The police chief will be stopping by the judges house to pay back that $500 that the PC lost to the judge at the golf course in Cancun that they played at over the holidays while attending an "anti-drug" seminar (at your expense). And then all will be rosy again.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by billos on January 08, 2004 at 12:36:52 PT:
JustGetnBy..................
you ain't just whislting Dixie with your comment. If we could get a grass roots movement going.....Hmmmmm. Hit E'm where they hit us......right in the pocketbook! That would bring them to their knees.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by afterburner on January 08, 2004 at 10:45:56 PT:
DEA -- Guardians of the Medical Freedom?
What does the DEAth do with all that cannabis they confiscate? Is it their own little stash? Are they studying it in order to create some sinister genetic-virus to destroy the medicine once and for all?In the bad old days of the Bureau of Narcotics, agents gleefully burned the daemon weed in a-witch-hunting style. Now the DEAboys keep the stash, that dangernot schedule one narc-not-ic. What are they doing with it? Do you trust them to safeguard it? MFA (Medical Freedom Amendment) in 2004. Congress, state and people--get ready, there's a train a-comin' Pickin' up passengers coast-to-coast, All you need is hope to hear the diesels hummin' Don't need no ticket you just get on board. Well, there is no place for the hopeless sinner who has hurt all mankind just to save his own, so open the gates and doors and board her Don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by JustGetnBy on January 08, 2004 at 10:21:55 PT
Whats the good for the goose.............
It's past due for these sanctimonious "Peace Officers" to be held accountable for their actions. They have been too long protected by biased laws that protect them from any accountability or consequences for the acts they commit against law abiding citizens.  Our govt.and this current ruling political cabal in particular are no longer serving the needs of the people they supposedly represent.  All three branches of Federal Govt. need to read and heed the constitution. The Feds will never respond to the needs of the people untill we can take away the security of their cushy govt. jobs.  A grass roots campaign to revoke, or ammend the 16th ammendment ( Income Tax ) would get their attention real fast. Without a way to fund their insane policies or to pay for the incarceration of victimless crimes they would be forced to change their priorities. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by cloud7 on January 08, 2004 at 10:17:26 PT
Study: Drug War Cash Should Go to Other Purposes
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,107756,00.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 08, 2004 at 10:05:45 PT:
Circumvent State Laws
It appears that the task force routinely asks a DEA agent to tag along in order to then circumvent state medical marijuana laws. I hope the judge in this case exposes this ruse to violate state law, which was probably initiated by federal pressure on state law enforcement divisions.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 08, 2004 at 09:46:35 PT
puff_tuff
Thank you. That's really bad news.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by puff_tuff on January 08, 2004 at 09:32:40 PT
Off Topic Breaking News
Grant was delivering medicine to patients in Winnipeg~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Wednesday, January 7, 2004 Calgary Pot Crusader Charged Again Calgary Radio QR77 Calgary marijuana activist Grant Kreiger has been charged again. He was arrested and charged with posession for the purpose of trafficking in Headingley, Manitoba Wednesday night. Kreiger was stopped by police because they couldn't read the expiration date on his license plates. When they found out about his previous record, they searched his vehicle, seizing more than one pound of marijuana, and $4,000 in cash from Kreiger's trunk. Keiger had recently been found guilty of that same charge in Calgary, but is appealing the decision. He appears in a Winnipeg courtroom March 19th. http://www.qr77.com/news/news_local.cfm?item=62
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by The GCW on January 08, 2004 at 09:25:51 PT
This is good.
The judge is going to ask the kind officers why they should not be caged for disobeying the judge and simply returning some plant material.I like the change. This would have been unheard of 10 years ago.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by Max Flowers on January 08, 2004 at 09:13:55 PT
Coming up with fiction will be easy...
...the real question is not what the cops and agent will say, it's what the judge does with what they say. Of course they will come up with some sanctimonious drivel to justify their illegal actions, there's no question about that. But will the judge rule on the side of the law (the real rule of law, in true fairness to Nord who is the victim here), or will he take sides with the officers and legitimize their lawless actions?
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment