Opinion ID: 2429551
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: For his first argument on appeal, Littlepage contends that the evidence was insufficient to prove that he was in constructive possession of the drugs, drug paraphernalia, and two guns discovered in the vehicle. We disagree. A motion for a directed verdict is a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence. Williams v. State, 298 Ark. 484, 768 S.W.2d 539 (1989). The test for determining the sufficiency of the evidence is whether there is substantial evidence to support the verdict. Ricketts v. State, 292 Ark. 256, 729 S.W.2d 400 (1987). On appeal, this court reviews the evidence in the light most favorable to the appellee and sustains the conviction if there is any substantial evidence to support it. Abdullah v. State, 301 Ark. 235, 783 S.W.2d 58 (1990). Evidence is substantial if it is of sufficient force and character to compel reasonable minds to reach a conclusion and pass beyond suspicion and conjecture. Hodge v. State, 303 Ark. 375, 797 S.W.2d 432 (1990); Jones v. State, 269 Ark. 119, 598 S.W.2d 748 (1980). Evidence of Littlepage's possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and weapons is more than sufficient. Officer Ball testified at trial that during the search incident to Littlepage's arrest for the expired driver's license, he noticed in plain view a black nylon-style holster, that appeared to contain a pistol, sticking out from under the driver's seat. After opening the driver's door, he examined the pistol and found it contained a fully loaded clip. In continuing his search of the car, ostensibly for other weapons, Officer Ball discovered marijuana and a Liquid Wrench can. Noticing that the bottom of the Liquid Wrench can unscrewed, he opened it and found four ziplock bags containing white powder, two more ziplock bags with white powder, one ziplock bag with a hand rolled cigarette, three ziplock bags containing vegetable material, one vial containing a liquid, four rocks, and four syringes. Thereafter, an inventory search of the car was conducted, and the police found a loaded.45-caliber weapon and a fake battery with a storage compartment in the trunk. Another bag containing white powder was found next to the gas cap. Police also found a pharmacy bag containing some syringes in the console next to the driver's seat; as well, a bank envelope holding three baggies covered in white powder residue was also found. Littlepage's fingerprints matched those found on the envelope. Jerry Buck, a chemist from the State Crime Lab, testified that the white powdery substance found in the many containers in the vehicle was cocaine. Also found were several pill bottles which contained methamphetamine, codeine, and valium. Marijuana was identified, as well. On appeal, Littlepage submits that the evidence at trial was insufficient to connect him with ownership of the drugs, drug paraphernalia, and guns. We disagree. In order to prove a defendant is in possession of a controlled substance, constructive possession is sufficient. Osborne v. State, 278 Ark. 45, 643 S.W.2d 251 (1982). Neither are exclusive nor actual, physical possession of a controlled substance necessary to sustain a charge. Cary v. State, 259 Ark. 510, 534 S.W.2d 230 (1976). Constructive possession can be implied when it is in the joint control of the accused and another. ( Osborne, supra . However, joint occupancy alone is not sufficient to establish possession or joint possession. There must be some additional factor linking the accused to the contraband. Id. In Plotts v. State, 297 Ark. 66, 759 S.W.2d 793 (1988), we enumerated factors that sufficiently link an accused to contraband found in a car jointly occupied by more than one person, including the contraband's being (1) in plain view; (2) on the defendant's person or with his personal effects; (3) found on the same side of the car seat as the defendant or in immediate proximity to him; or that the accused (4) owned the vehicle in question or exercised dominion and control over it; and (5) acted suspiciously before or during arrest. Plotts, supra ; See also Bailey v. State, 307 Ark. 448, 821 S.W.2d 28 (1991). Applying these elements to the facts at hand, it is clear that Littlepage was in constructive possession of the drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms. First of all, the illicit articles were found in the immediate proximity of its driver, Littlepage, at the time of the arrest. Secondly, Littlepage exercised dominion and control of the car as its driver, his fingerprints were found on an envelope containing cocaine residue, and the loaded pistol was found underneath his seat. Drug paraphernalia, specifically syringes, was found in the console next to him. Taken together, these facts specifically link him to the contraband and prove that he was in constructive possession of the drugs, paraphernalia and firearms. In sum, we have no hesitancy in holding that the evidence was sufficient to convict on all charges.