Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

King v. State

Trial counsel's decision not to introduce evidence regarding the controlled drug buy at the defendant's house constituted reasonable trial strategy, since trial counsel was concerned that such evidence would open the door to testimony about other drug transactions that police witnessed during their surveillance at the defendant's house, which would have undermined the defendant's sole defense that he was unaware the drugs were in his house.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Eddie James King was tried by a Morgan County jury and found guilty of one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute1 and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public park.2 He now appeals from the denial of his motion for a new trial arguing that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction. King further contends that that the trial court erred in failing to grant his motion to disclose the identity of a confidential informant used to make a drug buy at King’s residence and that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We find no error and affirm.

“On appeal from a criminal conviction, the defendant is no longer entitled to a presumption of innocence and we therefore construe the evidence in the light most favorable to the jury’s guilty verdict.” Citation omitted. Marriott v. State, 320 Ga. App. 58 739 SE2d 68 2013. So viewed, the record shows that in approximately March 2008, the Morgan County Sheriff’s office received information that King was selling drugs out of his home in Madison. After learning that King was living alone, was unemployed, and was without any known means of support, agents with the sheriff’s office and the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force began surveillance of King’s residence, and on April 1, 2008, law enforcement sent a confidential informant “CI” to make a controlled buy of cocaine at King’s house. The person who sold the cocaine to the CI, however, was not King, but a man the CI identified only as “Black.” According to police, “Black” was later identified as King’s nephew, Lamar Jonigans.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2025
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
GlobeSt. Healthcare Real Estate 2024
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Awards 2024
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
(NEW) JUNIOR-MID LEVEL LITIGATION ASSOCIATE WANTED FOR ELITE LITIGATION BOUTIQUE FIRM (Atlanta, GA)

Our client, a boutique litigation firm established by former BigLaw partners, is seeking to hire a junior-mid level associate their rapidly ...


Apply Now ›
CORPORATE ASSOCIATE - CT or Remote

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is seeking an associate to join our corporate and transactional practice. Candidates must have four to eight years...


Apply Now ›
Senior Associate - Boutique -A&D (NYC)

SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY, BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM, CORPORATE LAW We provide strategic advisory and legal services to the world's leading archite...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs