#26-BT-0022 The State of San Andreas v. John Chapel

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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NOTICE OF ACTIVATION & ORDER FOR DISCOVERY

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

The State of San Andreas v. John Chapel
#26-BT-0022

A Notice of Activation & Order for Discovery was entered in the above case on the 23rd day of February, 2026.

The case of State of San Andreas v. John Chapel is hereby activated and opened by this Court.

The Superior Court Bench Trial system runs off of defendant responsiveness. If defendants are interacting with the court or their attorney, a Notice to Schedule will be posted with all parties being able note their availability. A Judge will then pick the most suitable time for trial. Once a trial has been scheduled, the court will consider most submissions to be final.

The prosecution and defense are hereby ordered to provide their evidence to the Court via Motion for Discovery within the next 30 days or file a Motion for Continuance.

If at any point in time the defense or prosecution wishes set precedence or desire a formal criminal trial, they are welcome to file a Motion for a Change in Venue

Respectfully,


Branch Administrator
San Andreas Judicial Branch
505-9925 - [email protected]

[Rowin Lawson]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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MOTION FOR DISCOVERY

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

State of San Andreas v. John Chapel
#26-BT-0022

A Motion for Discovery was filed in the above case on the 23rd day of February, 2026.

The State of San Andreas, by and through the undersigned attorney, filed this Motion for Discovery, and presents the following as evidence;

• Exhibit #1 Arrest Report

  

  ARREST REPORT
  

  MUGSHOT

  SUSPECT 1 DETAILS

  • 
    
    
    Full Name: John Chapel
    Telephone Number: 5948122
    Licenses Suspended: Yes
    • Driver
    • Trucker
    
    Charges:
    • VF01 - Evading an Officer
    • DM03 - Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance
    
    
    Additional Details (Suspect's vehicle, etc.) :

  
  
  VEHICLES INVOLVED

  • Vehicle A: Shinobi | LP: 1LBFISH | RO: John Chapel

  
  
  DEPUTY DETAILS

  • Full Name: Charlie Ross
    Badge Number: 24662
    Callsign: V11

  
  
  INCIDENT DETAILS

  • Date of Arrest: 2026-02-23
    Deputies Involved: Charlie Ross, Christopher Miles, Hugo Hernandez
    
    Provide details of the incident leading up to the arrest
    • "On February 22nd, 2026, while on patrol assigned to Unit Delta Charlie with Lieutenant Hugo Hernandez, we observed a white sport motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed. Based on the vehicle’s excessive speed and unsafe operation, we activated our emergency lights and sirens in order to initiate a traffic stop.
      
      The motorcycle failed to yield and began actively evading law enforcement. The suspect operated the vehicle at dangerous speeds, entered incorrect lanes of travel, and attempted to evade capture by maneuvering through alleyways and side streets.
      
      We temporarily lost visual contact with the suspect vehicle; however, approximately forty-five (45) seconds later, another responding unit regained visual and relayed the suspect’s location. Lieutenant Hernandez and I rejoined the pursuit. The suspect continued to evade law enforcement for approximately ten (10) minutes before he was ultimately stopped and detained without further incident.
      
      Once detained, the suspect was identified through identification as John Chapel. Based on his actions during the pursuit, he was formally placed under arrest and charged with Evading Law Enforcement, and his licenses were suspended in accordance with department policy.
      
      While enroute to the Department of Corrections, Deputy Charlie Ross, who remained on scene, notified us over department radio that a search of the suspect’s motorcycle had revealed twelve (12) marijuana blunts. Based on this discovery, and as the vehicle was under the control and possession of Mr. Chapel, an additional charge of Possession of a Class 3 Controlled Substance was applied.
      
      Mr. Chapel was read his Miranda rights, which he acknowledged and stated he understood.
      
      Mr. Chapel claimed that the narcotics evidence had been planted and requested a bench trial. In accordance with department procedure and the suspect’s rights, proper judicial channels were followed and the matter was referred for court proceedings.
      
      Mr. Chapel was transported and processed in accordance with department procedures without further incident." - Christopher Miles

  
  EVIDENCE DETAILS

  • Location of Evidence Locker: Sandy Station
    Exhibit A: 12x Processed Marijuana
    
    Photo of the evidence in the locker (if applicable)

    

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  ARRESTING DEPUTY SIGNATURE
  
  

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Rowin Lawson
Deputy Attorney General
San Andreas Judicial Branch
451-9939 - [email protected]

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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ISSUANCE OF VERDICT

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

The State of San Andreas v. John Chapel
#26-BT-0022

A decision was reached in the above case on the 23rd day of February, 2026.

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Facts

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• The defendant evaded from police on a motorcycle
• The motorcycle was found with Schedule III Controlled Substances
• The defendant was the RO of the vehicle

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Arguments From Either Side

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The defense argues that the defendant was unaware of the subtances on his vehicle and reiterated that the defendant stated they were planted by another individual. The defense argues the lack of knowledge absolves the defendant of the possession charge.

The prosecution argues that the defendant was in control of the bike during the evasion and therefore was also in possession of the substance.

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Verdict

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The court finds that the defendant drove a vehicle away from pursuing law enforcement vehicles. Being that sight was lost, and then later regained with the vehicle still continuing to evade from police.

The state has long held the notion of constructive possession, which is possession that requires and individual have knowledge, willingness, and use of the item in question. The court finds that driving the vehicle alone with no passengers as well as being the registered owner of the vehicle, places the defendant in direct ownership of anything contained within the vehicle.

The defendant, upon making their way to City Hall for their On-the-Spot Trial, proceeded to remain in custody, until finding the right moment to escape on the back of the bike of another individual. He did not show up to trial, did not return to see his day in court, and made a farce of the court system, that had gathered there specifically to uphold his rights and request for an immediate trial.

It is with the above considerations that I issue the following verdict:

• On the count of VF01 - Evading an Officer, I find the defendant, John Chapel, guilty.
• On the count of DM03 - Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance, I find the defendant, John Chapel, guilty.
• On the count of GF25 - Felony Contempt of Court, I find the defendant, John Chapel, guilty.

So Ordered,

Branch Administrator
San Andreas Judicial Branch
505-9925 - [email protected]