State v. Ball

Gregory, Justice,

dissenting:

I disagree with the majority and would hold that possession of cocaine is a crime of moral turpitude. Unlawful possession of cocaine contributes to widespread public harm. One who possesses this controlled substance, even for his own use, fosters the prosperity of the lucrative and destructive industry of illicit cocaine manufacture and trafficking. Cocaine has been proven to be an addictive and potentially fatal drug. Its addictive quality and the expense of maintaining its habitual use often motivate deceptive behavior and involvement in other crimes. In the modern context of society’s declared war on drug abuse, I believe this Court should be constrained to label possession of cocaine a crime of moral turpitude. I therefore respectfully dissent.