If drugs are found in a vehicle you are either driving or are a passenger in, you may be in a lot of trouble – even if the drugs are not yours. Arizona law requires that a prosecutor prove that you knowingly possessed a usable amount of the illegal drug. One of the ways to show that you knew about it and actually possessed it is to show some nexus between you and the drugs founds.
For example, if you admit to the officer that you know there are drugs under the back seat. Or, if drugs are found in a back pack that also contains objects or papers that identify the back pack as yours. Fingerprints can also be used to create that nexus when the drugs are found somewhere other than on your person. If you did not own the vehicle and were not made aware of the drugs inside the vehicle, it may be difficult for a prosecutor to create that nexus between you and the drugs.
Do you have additional questions or need assistance with a drug possession issue? Contact Arizona criminal defense attorney Jeremy Geigle for a free consultation regarding your question.