A woman was charged in a federal court with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She had a prior criminal history, which meant she could face harsh penalties if convicted. The Roanoke criminal defense attorneys at Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico were appointed to help with her meth conspiracy case.
Attorney Michelle Derrico learned that she had been cooperating with law enforcement when an officer took advantage of her sexually. The officer coerced her by telling her he could help shorten her sentence if she complied with his demands. Because of the work of our client and attorney Michelle Derrico, the officer was criminally prosecuted and eventually incarcerated.
Our client pleaded guilty to the meth conspiracy charge. The judge gave her a reduced sentence because of her efforts to help law enforcement and because she was the first person to come forward and make a complaint against the officer who had sexually coerced her. After our client made a statement, two other people also came forward with complaints about the officer’s illegal actions.
The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.