In the case of the State of Louisiana versus William B. Turner, case number 2023 KA 0831, held at the First Circuit Court of Appeal on April 19, 2024, Turner was convicted for possession with intent to distribute or dispense over twenty-eight grams of cocaine. This case is an appeal from an initial trial that resulted in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury.
The defendant, represented by Katherine M. Franks and the state by Antonio M. “Tony” Clayton and Terri Russo Lacy, was found guilty after being stopped for a traffic violation by Louisiana State Trooper Joshua Mitchell on September 30, 2020. Upon searching Turner's vehicle, Mitchell recovered a substance later confirmed to consist of 571.62 grams of cocaine.
Turner appealed his nineteen-year sentence at hard labor on grounds including dismissal of potential jurors with felony convictions and alleged ineffective assistance of counsel. The defendant also contested the denial of Batson challenges which involve allegations of racial discrimination in juror selection.
The plaintiff seeks affirmation of the conviction and sentence despite Turner's claims. The court upheld the decision stating no abuse in discretion was evident during voir dire examination and jury selection.