Quote:
Originally posted by extreme hardcore
Is that true (edit: in the US)? will you get into trouble if "someone" brings coke to a party where you are hanging out? By trouble i don't mean questioning but a note on you record (or whatever it is called)?
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Here is potential scenario in Florida (I've only practiced criminal defense in florida so i dont know about other states but I would hazard that the risk is about the same in most other states in the USA).
Police arrive and the holders of drugs drop them on the ground. Police have everyone on the ground with drug bags all around. They arrest nearly everyone on possession. The Prosecutors office would have the option to charge possession based on the theory of constructive possession, which basically means that you were within the ability to control the drugs as they were so close to you. The actual filing decision by the state attorneys office in Broward would likely result in many of these cases being broken down to misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges or pre-trial intervention or maybe out right drops. That still doesnt negate the fact you would be arrested and taken to jail, have to bond out or spend the night in the slammer until the next mornings first appearance. Not to mention that those from out of state and out of the country would have higher bonds due to them being potential flight risks. All in all it would be a very bad situation.
Bottom line, if you want to be respected as a professional, act as one. If you want to carry felony class drugs like cocaine and do them at parties, or watch others do them at parties and not leave, you are accepting the potential liability that comes with your acceptance of this risk. Our industry is risky enough without adding in risk of prosecution for narcotics that arent even yours.