Another 33.5 years in prison has been ordered for a Mohave Valley man who was the focus of four jury trials since the spring. Imposition of sentence for 42-year-old Joseph Carter on July 10 came at the end of three hours of legal battle between prosecutor Jaimye Ashley and defense attorney Melissa Barry.
“It’s been typical of these cases from the beginning,” said Mohave County Superior Court Judge Rick Lambert. “It’s just been one difficulty after another.”
Wednesday’s sentencing was for drug and weapon convictions associated with a September, 2017 search of Carter’s home at 555 King Way. More than ten ounces of methamphetamine was seized, along with more than seven grams each of heroin and cocaine and two weapons.
The attorneys sparred Wednesday over whether Carter’s prior historical convictions were introduced and proven in a proper manner and what sentencing category results for Carter. Judge Lambert ruled in favor of Barry on that point, saying Carter would have received a 78 year sentence had he sided with Ashley.
While his determination shaved almost 45 years from the prison sentence, Judge Lambert said Carter didn’t much deserve leniency.
“You weren’t just dabbling in drug sales. You were all in. Totally in,” Lambert said.
Judge Lambert figured prominently in Carter’s first trial that started in late March. He did not let the jury deliberate the case as he ordered direct verdicts of acquittal for alleged drug and weapons offenses.
Carter was convicted by juries at subsequent trials for unlawful flight and unlawful use of means of transportation offenses. He received 3.5 and 5-year prison sentences in those cases.
The sentences run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative 42 year prison term.
