Mostyn v. Commonwealth

Opinion

BRAY, J.

Martin Joseph Mostyn (defendant) was convicted of possession of cocaine and sentenced to thirty days in jail, all of which was suspended. Defendant denied the charge and, on appeal, contends that (1) the original certificate of analysis (certificate) was not “on file with the Clerk’s office seven days immediately prior to trial” in accordance with Code § 19.2-187 and, thus, a photocopy of the certificate was improperly admitted into evidence, and (2) the trial court erred in refusing evidence of defendant’s reputation for truth and veracity and for “not using drugs.” We…