Lawyer: Copp wants to apologize

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - The criminal lawyer for Derek Copp, the Grand Valley State University student shot during a March drug raid at his off-campus apartment, says his client wants to apologize to the deputy who shot him.

"For all the circumstances or problems that have occured as a result of this case," attorney George Krupp told 24 Hour News 8.

A request from Krupp to lift the no contact order in the case so Copp could meet with or send a letter to Dep. Ryan Huizenga came in a court hearing Wednesday morning. Copp entered a not guilty plea to the charge of delivery or manufacturing marijuana and waived his preliminary examination in 58th District Court.

District Judge Kenneth Post told Krupp that decision would be up to the Ottawa County Circuit Court judge who will now handle the case. No trial date has been set.

In an interview, Krupp said his client should be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act -- which would allow Copp's record to be cleaned if he pleads guilty in circuit court and completes his probation -- because Copp had no prior criminal record.

"Not even a traffic ticket," Krupp noted.

In district court Wednesday morning, Post asked Copp whether he could pass a drug test. Copp said no, admitting he used drugs April 13, two days before the drug charges against him were filed.

Post ordered Copp to take a drug test Wednesday and again May 13.

Court records obtained by 24 Hour News 8 show investigators believe Copp sold an undercover officer 3.3 grams of marijuana -- about one-eighth of an ounce -- for $60 shortly before the March 11 raid. A state police lieutenant testified that Copp's roommate, Conor Bardallis, sold 3 grams (one-tenth of an ounce) for $50 to an undercover officer in February.

Copp and Bardallis could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

Huizenga was charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing injury in the shooting. He could face up to two years in prison and the loss of his job.