Q: My brother was arrested by NSA police with one ounce of cocaine, and 5k after getting pulled over for accidentally...
Entering NSA property from I95 on ramp. He was told by the police that they couldn't get in touch with a u.s. state's attorney, so in lieu of that was given citation for the cocaine and a receipt for the 5k. That's been about a month ago and nothing has happened. Have they chosen not to prosecute? I'm assuming because of where this occurred this would be a federal charge. Also they gave the registered owner the car back two days later with no hesitation. I don't know much about this subject but this situation doesn't seem kosher. I would appreciate any advice for him. Thank you.
A:
I would assume federal charge. The issue is jurisdiction. If the case was on federal property or in federal territory at the time it will likely originate in federal court. The options in Maryland could be the Greenbelt courthouse or the Baltimore courthouse depending on where on I95 this happened. Possibly even in Aberdeen if this was on the military base there.
I can't speak specifically about this case without more details but it sounds like there are some facts worth exploring for both factual and legal defenses. As far as what they are doing with the case they may be taking their time. Has the case actually been charged and is this on Case Search if state or Pacer if federal?
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