Our readers may remember last October that singer CeeLo Green, whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, was accused of raping a woman with whom he had dined at a Los Angeles restaurant. Callaway, who denied those allegations, was subsequently clear when the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office declined to file a rape charge, citing insufficient evidence.
Prosecutors had claimed that Callaway placed the drug in the woman’s drink while they were eating, and that they later went back to her hotel, where she claims to have been raped. Callaway still faces a drug charge, specifically that he provided the woman with Ecstasy during that incident. He has pleaded not guilty. The charge of furnishing a controlled substance is a felony, and could land Callaway in prison for up to four years.
Callaway’s attorney said he plans to “responsibly address” the controlled substance charge, but we aren’t told exactly what that means. No doubt, Callaway’s attorney will be working on building a case in his favor, though the angle isn’t clear. Sources didn’t mention whether there was any evidence to back up the allegation.
When an individual is accused of possessing or distributing a controlled substance, prosecutors have the burden of proving each element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. In some drug crimes, such as possession with intent to distribute, intent is an important element to question in one’s defense case. Prosecutors may rely on circumstantial evidence that doesn’t necessarily meet the burden of proof.
It is important for those accused of drug crimes to work closely with an experienced estate planning attorney. Doing so will help ensure the best possible outcome in one’s case.
Source: CNN, “CeeLo Green accused of giving woman Ecstasy, but DA declines rape charge,” Alan Duke & Michael Pearson, October 22, 2013.
