State v. Blazas

The opinion of the court was delivered by

ESPINOSA, J.A.D.

The “meaningful opportunity to present a complete defense” guaranteed by the Federal and New Jersey Constitutions is denied when the prosecution substantially interferes with a defendant’s ability to secure witness testimony. In this case, the government conduct alleged did not result in the denial of witness testimony but, rather, in the denial of access to the witness for interview by the defense. Such allegations, if true, would be proof of substantial interference with defendant’s constitutionally guaranteed right of access to…