Rhode Island Cocaine Possession Case: Successful Diversion Program Entry
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in the Rhode Island District Court (6th Division) for:
- Possession of a Schedule I to V Controlled Substance 10 Grams or Less, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 21-28-4.01(c)(2)(i)
Case Overview:
Providence Police were conducting routine patrols of a known narcotics area when they observed a vehicle illegally parked. While watching the vehicle, a man walked up to its window and began talking to the driver. As police started to approach, the pedestrian walked away from the vehicle and attempted to drive away in his own car. The police conducted a stop of this vehicle, which was occupied by the driver and a front seat passenger. After approaching the vehicle, the police observed a knife hanging out of the driver’s pocket and requested the occupants to step out to be patted down for officer safety. The pat down of the passenger revealed a bag of crack cocaine. The man was then placed under arrest and charged with Possession of a Schedule I to V Controlled Substance 10 Grams or Less. He retained Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.
Case Result: Diversion.
After several pretrial conferences, Attorney Calcagni persuaded the Court to accept the man into the Superior Court’s Adult Diversion Program, which lasts up to one year. Providing the man complies with all conditions imposed upon him by the program and is not charged with a new offense during the participation period, the matter will be dismissed and sealed from public record.