United States of America v. Isaac Riojas

Houston, Texas criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession of controlled substance and unlawful transportation of a firearm.



At approximately 2:00 a.m. on September 10, 2020, Corpus Christi

Police Officers Perez and Alfaro stopped Isaac Riojas after observing him roll

through a stop sign. Riojas was known to the officers from prior

investigations. Officer Perez testified that Riojas had a "lengthy history of

weapons charges” and was suspected in other crimes. Given that history, the

officers approached his vehicle with caution.



As they neared, Riojas opened the car door and threw his keys outside.

Officer Perez observed Riojas reach toward the center console and "mess[]

with something on his righthand side.” Concerned, the officers told him to

stop moving. Perez testified that when Riojas opened the door, a "very

strong” odor of marijuana emerged from his vehicle. He also noticed ashes

on Riojas's lap.



Riojas was detained and handcuffed. Officer Perez then claimed to see

what he believed to be a pipe. It was later confirmed to be a cylindrical lighter.

Another officer then observed a "roach”—a slang term for a partially

smoked marijuana joint—on the driver's side floorboard. Officers searched

the vehicle and recovered multiple bags of synthetic cannabinoid, marijuana,

and methamphetamin



He moved to suppress the evidence. The district court denied his motion. He

then pleaded guilty unconditionally

The Defendant was sentenced to 121 mos custody BOP to be served concurrently with sentence imposed in counts 2-3; 5 years SRT to be served concurrently to counts 2-3; mandatory and standard conditions of supervision; substance abuse treatment and testing; mental health treatment; gang prohibition; $100 Special Assessment as to each count ($300 total)



Affirmed