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Drug Crimes
Drug crimes make up a large portion of the both state and federal court dockets. They range from simple possession crimes, still prosecuted today but often with less serious punishment, to more serious trafficking and importation offenses. An important, in between charge is possession with intent to distribute.
Below, we will focus on the types of charges and clients you would be likely to encounter early in your practice. First, possession, and particularly the more challenging concept of constructive possession. Second, mens rea, particularly as it applies to possession crimes. Finally, drug weight, especially for different types of drugs.
The principles governing possession and mens rea apply to other possessory crimes as well, including gun possession. As you read, keep in mind what makes possession crimes special, in terms of what counts as possession, whether they should be crimes, and how they affect police investigations and interactions with the citizenry.
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