Opinion ID: 896467
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Transfer to other courts.

Text: 1. After a petition has been filed alleging delinquency based on conduct which is designated a crime or public offense under the laws ... of this state, the court before hearing the petition on its merits shall transfer the offense for prosecution to the appropriate court having jurisdiction of the offense if: .... b. The child was fourteen years of age or more at the time of the alleged conduct and the court determines that there is probable cause to believe the child committed the alleged delinquent act and the delinquent act involves the offense of ... the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance in violation of subdivision a or b of subsection 1 of section 19-03.1-23, except for the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana in an amount less than one pound [.45 kilograms]... The statute authorizes transfer of the charges against Larry upon a showing of probable cause that Larry committed the offense charged. Probable cause is a minimal burden of proof which is met if there is a definite probability based on substantial evidence the offense has been committed. In Interest of J.K.M., 557 N.W.2d 229, 231 (N.D.1996). Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. In Interest of J.A.G., 552 N.W.2d 317, 320 (N.D.1996). The State has the burden of persuasion whether there is probable cause to believe the juvenile committed the delinquent act. In Interest of A.E., 1997 ND 9, ¶ 5, 559 N.W.2d 215. Whether probable cause exists is a question of law. State v. Johnson, 1999 ND 33, ¶ 17, 590 N.W.2d 192. [¶ 12] Under N.D.C.C. § 19-03.1-23(1) it is unlawful for any person to willfully possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Marijuana is defined as a controlled substance under N.D.C.C. § 19-03.1-05(5)(t). The findings of the referee indicate she was assuming it was necessary to exclude all other persons who may have had access to the place where the marijuana was located in order to establish probable cause. Such a burden does not exist. See State v. Dymowski, 458 N.W.2d 490, 500 (N.D.1990) (there was substantial evidence to support verdict for possession of controlled substance where contraband was found in dresser drawer located in bedroom occupied by both the defendant and his spouse). For purposes of the criminal statute, willful possession of a controlled substance may be actual or constructive, exclusive or joint, and may be shown entirely by circumstantial evidence. State v. McKinney, 518 N.W.2d 696, 700 (N.D.1994). Constructive possession may be established by showing the defendant had the power and ability to exercise dominion and control over the controlled substance. Id. Possession of a controlled substance in a quantity which is larger than would normally be intended for personal use is evidence of intent to sell or deliver the contraband in violation of the law. State v. Rodriguez, 454 N.W.2d 726, 731 (N.D.1990). [¶ 13] There is substantial evidence in this record to show a definite probability that Larry committed the offense of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Larry's mother discovered 12 pounds of marijuana in Larry's bedroom closet which was locked in a container and packaged in 12 separate one-pound bags. Larry conceded he placed the container with the marijuana in his room but claims he was merely holding it for someone else. The record evidence shows that 12 pounds of marijuana is far in excess of what an individual would be expected to be able to use before it rotted. Although Larry was not employed, the officers found significant cash on Larry's person in addition to marijuana paraphernalia and a baggie with a small amount of marijuana in it. One of Larry's friends told the officers he had purchased marijuana from Larry on more than one occasion in the two months preceding Larry's arrest. [¶ 14] Based upon our review of the files, records, and transcript of the juvenile court proceedings, we conclude the State has met its burden of persuasion and has demonstrated probable cause that Larry possessed contraband, with intent to deliver, in violation of the law. We, therefore, further conclude the transfer of the charges brought in juvenile court for prosecution in the district court is warranted under N.D.C.C. § 27-20-34, and we affirm. [¶ 15] GERALD W. VANDE WALLE, C.J., DALE V. SANDSTROM, WILLIAM A. NEUMANN, MARY MUEHLEN MARING, JJ., concur.