26 Apr Hells Angel accused of drug possession and weapons crimes
On March 23, New York police took a Hells Angel into custody after they recovered cocaine, $3,000 in cash and a handgun during a traffic stop. The 37-year-old Ossining resident was pulled over after police observed him driving recklessly.
The traffic occurred at about 2:50 a.m. near the West 14th Street and 6th Avenue intersection. Police determined that the man had three active warrants out for his arrest. As such, they took him into custody. During the incident, the accused man told authorities that he had a gun in his 2008 Cadillac DTS. The vehicle was towed to the 6th Precinct. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities found two vials of cocaine, the cash and the handgun. Additionally they also found a fake New York transit authority placard.
He was ultimately charged with multiple offenses, including criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance. It was revealed that the FBI was investigating him for his affiliation with the Hells Angels.
Being accused of weapons crimes can result in serious legal consequences, especially if the person has prior convictions. Depending on the situation in which the person was taken into custody, a criminal defense attorney may defend the person against the charges. For example, if the weapons were found during a traffic stop, the attorney may have evidence to show that the authorities did not have probable cause to stop the vehicle. The attorney may also argue that the vehicle, and therefore the guns, did not actually belong to the accused person. Otherwise, the attorney may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution, potentially resulting in less severe punishments.
Source: New York Daily News, “Hells Angel busted after cops find handgun in car in West Village“, Aiden Mclaughlin, March 24, 2017