Medrano v. State

Defendant Alfonso Medrano appeals his conviction and sentence for trafficking in 3-, 4-methylenedioxymethampetamine (“MDMA” or “ecstasy”). We reverse and remand for a new trial, holding that the trial court abused its discretion in denying Medrano a continuance to permit him to take the deposition of the co-defendant, who pled guilty immediately prior to the commencement of the trial and testified against Medrano at trial. 1

The relevant facts are not in dispute:

Medrano and a co-defendant were charged with one count of trafficking in 400 grams or more of MDMA. Immediately before jury selection…