D.A. Fights Subpoena to Testify in Pot Case
Dist. Atty. Terence Hallinan is fighting a subpoena to testify in a pot case filed by his own office. Robert Bustamante, 57, who is charged with possession of marijuana for sale, wants Hallinan to take the stand on his behalf.
Bustamante’s attorney, George C. Beckwith, said his client has tried to get marijuana for arthritis. Beckwith said that in April, two men accused of growing marijuana for a medical pot club were acquitted after Hallinan testified on their behalf.
In a letter to Beckwith, the city attorney’s office asks him to withdraw the subpoena, saying: “The witness’ support for the use of medical marijuana has no relevance to your case. Your client . . . was caught selling drugs on a street corner, not at a cannabis club.”
A hearing is set for Aug. 20.
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