Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Delavega v. State

When arrested, the defendant was driving a car with a modified gas tank that included a hidden compartment containing nearly a kilo of cocaine and $130K in cash.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Daniel Delavega appeals from his convictions for trafficking in cocaine and operating a vehicle with a false compartment. In his sole enumeration of error, Delavega contends that insufficient evidence supports his conviction.1 We disagree and affirm. Viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict, the record shows generally that Delevega was driving a car in which the gas tank had been modified to include a hidden compartment containing $130,000 in cash bundles and nearly a kilogram of cocaine. Delevega and his passenger, Feliciano, worked together at an automobile repair shop and were driving from North Carolina to Atlanta at the time of their arrest. The arresting officer testified that he smelled automobile body filler “Bondo” when he opened the car door, that Feliciano and Delavega gave conflicting stories about their travel plans, and that there was no extra clothing or luggage in the car for an overnight trip.

Delavega testified at trial and denied any knowledge of the hidden compartment. He claimed that he did not smell Bondo while driving the car and explained that he did not take any clothes with him on the overnight trip because “they probably —they’re going to provide us or buy some at, like, WalMart. Just —it’s going to be one night.”

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2024
June 20, 2024
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Legal Innovation Awards 2024
May 23, 2024
London

Celebrate outstanding achievement in law firms, chambers, in-house legal departments and alternative business structures.


Learn More
Consulting Top Consultants 2024
June 27, 2024
New York

Consulting Magazine identifies consultants that have the biggest impact on their clients, firms and the profession.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY-PERTH AMBOY-NJ

Company Description CourtLaw Injury Lawyers is an established Personal Injury Law Firm with its primary office located in Perth Amboy, New J...


Apply Now ›
Bankruptcy Attorney - New York Metropolitan Area Lawyers

Black Owl Recruiting is looking for a number of qualified applicants to fill positions for a highly reputable client. Recent experience work...


Apply Now ›
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYS

McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC is seeking talented and motivated Associate Attorneys with 3-7 years of experience working closely wi...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Clifford Law Offices, PC
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
MELICK & PORTER, LLP
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, P.C.
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements