What is the test for constructive possession in a criminal case?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Valencia-Hernandez, 91 F.3d 157 (9th Cir. 1996):

7 We review de novo whether the jury instructions, in their entirety, adequately cover the defendant's theory of defense. United States v. Duran, 59 F.3d 938, 941 (9th Cir.) (citing United States v. Gomez-Osorio, 957 F.2d 636, 642 (9th Cir.1992), cert. denied, 116 S.Ct. 535 (1995). If, however, the parties dispute whether the required factual foundation exists for a particular instruction, we review for abuse of discretion. Id.

8 It is, however, clear in this circuit that "neither proximity to the contraband, presence on property on which contraband is recovered nor association with a person having actual possession of the contraband is sufficient proof of constructive possession." United States v. Chambers, 918 F.2d 1455, 1459 (9th Cir.1990) (citations omitted). This is because "[m]ere proximity, presence and association 'go[ ] only to [the contraband's] accessibility, not to the dominion or control which must be proved to establish possession.' " Id. (citation omitted).

Other Questions


Does a drug dealer have a constructive "possession" or constructive possession of heroin? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
When counting criminal convictions for career offender purposes under section 4A1.2 of the Criminal Code, is the criminal conviction of a career offender included in the criminal record calculation? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is a minor criminal offence included in the criminal history of a defendant in the Criminal History of the Criminal Code? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What are the instructions given to the jury in possession and constructive possession cases? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a party who is a defendant in a criminal case have the ability to raise issues in a declaratory judgment action that cannot be resolved in the criminal case? ("New York", United States of America)
Is constructive possession a constructive possession charge? ("New York", United States of America)
Can an inference be weaker in a case of constructive possession than actual possession? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Are there any cases where the Supreme Court has found that criminal convictions for common law crimes against individuals who have not been convicted of criminal convictions are sufficient grounds for criminal convictions? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
What constitutes a constructive amendment in a criminal case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any case law where a defendant has been found to be indigent in a criminal case? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.