Salisbury, MD asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Maryland

Q: My boyfriend was pulled over and the passenger had marijuana and money. He got charged is it legal

The passenger told cops it was his but it wasn't found on him nor was it his vehicle. We it was he say she say.

2 Lawyer Answers
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Yes. It’s called constructive possession: if it’s open in an area within reach, and everything in his car is in reach, it creates a rebuttable inference it was his. He has a defense, however, and cases like this can be won. Just because there’s probable cause to charge does not mean there’s sufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to convict. He needs a lawyer.

Eric Todd Kirk
Eric Todd Kirk pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Sure it's legal. If contraband and cash are found in a car, it's not unusual, and perfectly legal, to charge the occupants. It sound like he has a potentially winable constructive possession case. He should hire an experienced criminal attorney.

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