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JOHN W. COYLE, III & JAMES L. HANKINS, OKC, won a suppression motion on Tuesday, September 27, 2005, in Chandler, OK (Lincoln County) in front of Judge Paul Vassar, whom we were told by local lawyers had never granted a motion to suppress that had the effect of terminating the case. The case involved a traffic stop by OHP Trooper Hanlon for failure to signal a lane change. Hanlon claimed client consented to the search that yielded almost 400 lbs. of marijuana. We obtained the videotape of the traffic stop from DPS (not from the State) and it quickly became apparent that the actual events were diametrically opposed to Trooper Hanlon's version. Hanlon buried himself even further at the hearing by offering even more lies and and excuses and it was too much even for Judge Vassar. In a rational system of criminal justice, Hanlon should be charged with perjury and fired, but don't look for that happen any time soon. I drafted the motion to suppress and Johnny worked his magic in front of Judge Vassar, but the real story is the videotape which carried the day and exposed Hanlon as completely dishonest and a strong client who pressed the issue in the face of the possibility (distinct probability) of severe prison time in the event the motion was denied. Keep pressing guys and gals and sometimes good things happen!
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