Can an experienced police officer opine that drugs were possessed for purposes of sale rather than personal use?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Aleqabi, A148446 (Cal. App. 2018):

It has been established for decades that an officer may opine, based on his or her experience, training, and judgment, that drugs were possessed for purposes of sale rather than personal use. (People v. Newman (1971) 5 Cal.3d 48, 53 ["experienced officers may give their opinion that the narcotics are held for purposes of sale based upon such matters as the quantity, packaging and normal use of an individual"], disapproved on another

Page 17

Other Questions


Does the fact that Weizoerick and Ahlo opined the drugs were possessed for sale rather than personal use, rather than possession, are sufficient evidence to convict a defendant of a drug offence? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant who claims self-defense to a charge of battery upon a police officer, who is also charged with battery upon the officer, obtain materials from the police department concerning the propensity for violence against the officer? (California, United States of America)
Can a police officer sue an officer from another police force for personal injury? (California, United States of America)
Does the fact that a police officer had no intention of allowing a drug dealer to get away with cocaine have any bearing on the issue of possession of the drug? (California, United States of America)
When a police officer has an objective, reasonable, articulable suspicion a person has committed a crime or is about to commit a crime, can the officer briefly detain the person? (California, United States of America)
If renaming a police officer in the name of a police community support officer is a good cause for concern, and if so, what effect will the name have on the police community? (California, United States of America)
Does a complaint to the police department asserting misconduct by a police officer constitute a crime prescribed under California Penal Code section 148.5 of reporting to police officer that a felony or misdemeanor has been committed? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances would the defense in a civil case have to call at least two police officers, the officer who was involved in a chase and the officer involved in the chase, and the person who was arrested for shots being fired from his car? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will a defendant be detained by a police officer if the officer's actions are very intimidating to a reasonable person? (California, United States of America)
Can a police officer stop and briefly detain a person for investigative purposes? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.