Drug charges can rattle anyone, especially if the drugs aren’t yours. You might worry about getting in trouble for something that doesn’t belong to you.
This falls under “constructive possession” in legal terms. It’s a tricky concept that can lead to serious problems in North Carolina. Knowing about constructive possession can help you protect yourself if you ever face this situation.
What is constructive possession?
Constructive possession means you control an area where police find illegal drugs, even if you don’t have the drugs on you. This can happen in different places you own or use.
- Homes: Police find drugs in your house, even if you live with others
- Cars: Officers discover illegal substances in your vehicle
- Storage units: Authorities locate drugs in a unit rented in your name
- Work areas: Illegal items turn up in your office or workspace
For constructive possession, prosecutors must show you had power over the place where they found the drugs and knew about them. They’ll try to prove you controlled the area and knew the drugs were there, even if you never touched them.
Defending against constructive possession charges
If you face possible constructive possession charges, taking smart steps can help your case. Consider these tips:
- Keep calm and don’t say anything to the police
- Never claim ownership or admit knowing about any illegal drugs
- Don’t allow searches without a warrant
- Call a criminal defense lawyer right away
- Write down everything about what happened, including who was there and what was said
The police must prove beyond any doubt that you knew about and controlled the illegal drugs. A lawyer can fight the evidence and stand up for your rights during the whole legal process.
Constructive possession cases can get complicated fast. It’s hard to handle them alone. Getting help from a lawyer is often the best way to protect yourself when facing drug charges in North Carolina.