Allegations of Drug Possession Arise from Police Response to Shots Fired

An individual faces charges for drug possession linked to a police response. Toxicology analysis may influence the case's outcome.

ByCelia Guo

Published on

Allegations of Drug Possession Arise from Police Response to Shots Fired

Case Overview

This case involves an individual charged with unlawful possession of heroin and carfentanil following a police response to reports of gunfire at a residential property. The police discovered multiple plastic bags containing significant quantities of these controlled substances during their search. Notably, the individual was not present at the scene, yet law enforcement alleged that the drugs belonged to them. To support the defense's argument, an expert in toxicology has been sought to analyze the drug samples and determine their level of purity, which may be crucial in establishing the nature of the substances involved and the implications for the individual’s culpability.

Questions to the Toxicology expert and their responses

Q1

How often are you involved in determining the level of purity of drugs such as heroin or carfentanil?

I am a Chief Toxicologist that oversees toxicological testing of opioids such as heroin and carfentanil on a regular (daily) basis.

Q2

If retained, are you able to test the samples in your own laboratory in the coming weeks?

I would be able to testify at trial in-person in northern Ohio (if required).

About the expert

This expert has over a decade of experience in the field of toxicology and pharmacology. He earned his BS from Brescia University and his MSFS and his PhD in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Today, he is board certified in forensic toxicology and is a certified drug recognition expert and standardized field sobriety test instructor. He is a member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists and the International Association for Chemical Testing. This expert previously served as the driving under the influence of drugs coordinator and section chief of toxicology for the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and as an adjunct professor of justice sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, he is the chief toxicologist at a state crime lab in Alabama, an adjunct professor of criminal justice at a university in Alabama, and an adjunct professor of forensic science at a university in Oklahoma.

Expert headshot

E-062367

Specialties:

About the author

Celia Guo

Celia Guo

Celia Guo is the Vice President of Multidisciplinary Research at Expert Institute. With a background rooted in public policy and criminal justice, Celia brings a wealth of experience in data-driven legal analysis. Prior to joining The Expert Institute, she conducted research for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on drug diversion cases, and collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union to analyze officer-involved shootings in Fresno, California. Her policy advocacy work also includes lobbying with the Drug Policy Alliance for the RISE Act, aimed at reforming sentencing enhancements for minor drug offenses.

Celia holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and an M.P.P. from the University of Southern California. She combines her policy expertise with a passion for justice to lead a dynamic research team that supports litigation strategy across a wide range of practice areas.

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