MAJOR COURT SETBACK FOR PROSECUTION: JUDGE RULES SEARCH WARRANT AGAINST PATERSON COUNCILMAN MICHAEL JACKSON WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

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Paterson, NJ. – In a decision that marks a major turning point in the long-running case involving Paterson City Councilman Michael Jackson, the court ruled Monday that the State relied on an unconstitutional warrant to seize and search Jackson’s cell phone — a significant blow to prosecutors and a clear legal victory for the defense.

Jackson’s attorney, Dillon McGuire, welcomed the ruling, stressing that the court recognized a violation of fundamental constitutional rights:

“We filed these motions because constitutional rights matter. The State relied on an unconstitutional warrant to seize and search Mr. Jackson’s phone, and the Court recognized that today. We view this as a win.”

While the judge declined to fully vacate the monetary penalties, the court reaffirmed that any financial penalty is strictly capped at a maximum of 30 days, rejecting any additional sanctions. Jackson is required to pay the fine within seven days, after which the case will move forward.

The defense noted that although it would have preferred the court to go further by vacating all monetary penalties, the outcome represents a significant procedural victory and reinforces the importance of constitutional protections in investigations involving public officials.

The case, which has stretched on for more than five years, has drawn public scrutiny due to repeated delays. According to the defense, the prolonged timeline stems from procedural motions and parallel investigations conducted by the State, which slowed the path to trial.

Despite the drawn-out process, Jackson, through counsel, reiterated that he is eager to have his day in court and clear his name before a jury of his peers.

“Mr. Jackson is looking forward to presenting his defense to a jury and finally putting this cloud behind him,” McGuire said.

With this ruling, the case now enters a new phase, with the defense strengthened by the court’s acknowledgment of constitutional violations and renewed calls to bring the matter before a jury for a full and final resolution.