Q: What if the drugs were found in a common area with 2 people in a cell?
A:
a lawyer would have to hear all the facts to make an intelligent evaluation.
However, the DA would probably argue constructive possession, as they clearly were within the control of either of the people in the cell. You will not be charged with ownership but rather possession.
A:
I think the DA might have a problem proving who possessed it, which is defined as having access AND a right to control. Does either person have a prior conviction or history involving that drug? Would a review of recorded phone calls, into and out of the facility shed any light?
If the weight of the evidence doesn't tip toward one or the other, and no one's talking, it may not be worth the DA's trouble.
David Michael Lehr agrees with this answer
A: Hard for the DA to prove absent additional proof.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
