Verdict tossed; police didn't wait after knocking

NEWARK, N.J. - A state appeals court yesterday threw out a Camden County man's drug conviction because police did not wait long enough after knocking before forcing their way into his apartment for a search.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office had a knock-and-announce warrant when it went to the apartment of James Robinson in Hi-Nella in 2004. But by waiting only 20 to 30 seconds, the court ruled, police turned it into a no-knock warrant, which is issued only when officers certify that a suspect may be dangerous.

Officers found cocaine, and Robinson was sentended to a 15-year prison term for drug possession. The ruling excludes that evidence.

Prosecutor's Office spokesman Jason Laughlin said the state might appeal the ruling, so no decision had been made on whether to retry Robinson.

- AP