Opinion ID: 2539450
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Heading: Sufficiency of the EvidenceManufacturing Methamphetamine

Text: Appellant contends that the circuit court erred in denying her motion for a directed verdict on the offense of manufacturing methamphetamine. She argues that, even in the light most favorable to the State, the State did not introduce substantial evidence at trial to prove that she manufactured methamphetamine. Specifically, Appellant argues that her mere presence in the residence and her knowledge of what was being done there does not constitute substantial evidence that she manufactured methamphetamine. Our court has held that we treat a motion for a directed verdict as a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence. Saul v. State, 365 Ark. 77, 81, 225 S.W.3d 373, 377 (2006) (citing Coggin v. State, 356 Ark. 424, 156 S.W.3d 712 (2004)). The test for determining the sufficiency of the evidence is whether the verdict is supported by substantial evidence, direct or circumstantial. Walley v. State, 353 Ark. 586, 112 S.W.3d 349 (2003). Substantial evidence is that which is of sufficient force and character that it will, with reasonable certainty, compel a conclusion one way or the other, without resorting to speculation or conjecture. Saul, 365 Ark. at 81, 225 S.W.3d at 377. With regard to circumstantial evidence, such evidence may provide a basis to support a conviction, but it must be consistent with the defendant's guilt and inconsistent with any other reasonable conclusion. Id. When we review a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, this court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, and only evidence supporting the verdict will be considered. Walley, 353 Ark. 586, 112 S.W.3d 349 (citing Smith v. State, 352 Ark. 92, 98 S.W.3d 433 (2003)). Furthermore, a jury need not lay aside its common sense in evaluating the ordinary affairs of life, and it may infer a defendant's guilt from improbable explanations of incriminating conduct. Id. Appellant was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in violation of Ark.Code Ann. § 5-64-401(a)(1)(A)(i) (Supp.2009). She concedes that the State proved (a) she was present in the residence when methamphetamine was being manufactured and (b) she knew methamphetamine was being manufactured. Notwithstanding this concession, Appellant claims the State failed to prove that she had ever been inside the master bedroom where all the paraphernalia used to manufacture methamphetamine was found. In essence, she challenges the sufficiency of the State's proof linking her to the manufacturing paraphernalia located in the master bedroom. In Walley v. State, supra , we discussed the analysis necessary to review a sufficiency challenge in cases where two or more people occupy the residence where contraband was found. We stated that: Under our law, it is clear that the State need not prove that the accused physically possessed the contraband in order to sustain a conviction for possession of a controlled substance if the location of the contraband was such that it could be said to be under the dominion and control of the accused, that is, constructively possessed. . . . Constructive possession can be implied when the controlled substance is in the joint control of the accused and another. Joint occupancy, though, is not sufficient in itself to establish possession or joint possession. There must be some additional factor linking the accused to the contraband. The State must show additional facts and circumstances indicating the accused's knowledge and control of the contraband. 353 Ark. 586, 595, 112 S.W.3d 349, 353 (2003). In order to prove constructive possession, the State must establish two elements: (1) that the accused exercised care, control, and management over the contraband, and (2) that the accused knew the matter possessed was contraband. Id. (citing Darrough v. State, 322 Ark. 251, 908 S.W.2d 325 (1995); Plotts v. State, 297 Ark. 66, 759 S.W.2d 793 (1988)). An additional factor is necessary to link the accused to the contraband in joint occupancy situations. Ravellette v. State, 264 Ark. 344, 571 S.W.2d 433 (1978). It cannot be inferred that one in non-exclusive possession of premises knew of the presence of drugs and had joint control of them unless there were other factors from which the jury can reasonably infer the accused had joint possession and control. Walley, 353 Ark. at 596, 112 S.W.3d at 354. We have stated that an additional factor to consider in determining whether a defendant was in constructive possession was the proximity of the defendant to the contraband. Morgan v. State, 2009 Ark. 257, 308 S.W.3d 147. With these principles in mind, and viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we conclude that there is sufficient evidence to support Appellant's conviction of manufacturing methamphetamine. It is undisputed that Appellant had been occupying the residence for at least two weeks. Furthermore, Appellant concedes that she was present in the residence when methamphetamine was being manufactured and that she knew methamphetamine was being manufactured. As to her proximity to the master bedroom where the manufacturing paraphernalia was located, the officer testified that when Hogue went back inside the trailer to get Appellant, he heard movement coming from the bedroom on the right side of the trailer just before Appellant appeared at the door. Also, when the officer asked Appellant about her children, she responded that she did not know the children were outside playing because she was asleep. The record reflects that the only bed in the trailer was in the master bedroom. Furthermore, the bed was covered with different parts of the methamphetamine production process, and the odor from the process was overwhelming. Finally, the children's clothing was found in one of the drawers of a dresser located in the master bedroom. Thus, based on this evidence indicating Appellant's proximity to the manufacturing paraphernalia, the jury could reasonably infer that she had joint possession and control of the contraband. We therefore affirm on this point.