State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316 (Utah 1985). · Go Syfert
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316 (Utah 1985). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“a conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute requires proof of two elements: (1) that defendant' knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance, and (2) that defendant intended to distribute the controlled substance to another.”
148 citation events (75 in the last 25 years) across 6 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: State v. Vu (utahctapp, 2017-09-21)
Treatment trajectory · 1985 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1985 2005 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 38 distinct citers.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Vu (4×) also: Cited "see"
Utah Ct. App. · 2017 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
a conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute requires proof of two elements: (1) that defendant' knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance, and (2) that defendant intended to distribute the controlled substance to another.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Ashcraft (14×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see"
Utah · 2015 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
elvidence supporting the theory of 'constructive possession' must raise a reasonable inference that the defendant was engaged in a criminal enterprise and not simply a bystander.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Workman
Utah Ct. App. · 2006 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
in every case, the determination that someone has constructive possession of drugs is a factual determination which turns on the particular circumstances of the case.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) State v. Layman (5×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see, e.g."
Utah Ct. App. · 1998 · signal: see · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
ersons who might know of the whereabouts of illicit drugs and who might even have access to them, but who have no intent to obtain and use the drugs cannot be convicted of possession.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Naranjo
Utah Ct. App. · 2023 · confidence medium
“To find that a defendant had constructive possession of a drug or other contraband, it is necessary to prove that there was a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug.” State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985); accord Ashcraft, 2015 UT 5, ¶ 19 . 20210865-CA 13 2023 UT App 131 State v. Naranjo ¶38 Our caselaw has “identified some relevant considerations” a jury may take into account to establish possession, including “ownership and/or occupancy of the…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Fischer (2×)
S.D. · 2016 · confidence medium
Id. (quoting State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985)). [¶ 43.] When examining the evidence we consider an actor’s “acts, conduct and inferences [that] are fairly dedueible from the circumstances surrounding the offense.” Laplante, 2002 S.D. 95 , ¶ 30, 650 N.W.2d at 312 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Harris
Utah Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Factors particularly pertinent in this case include "incrimai-nating behavior, of the accused," "presence of {items] in a specific area over which the accused has control," State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319-20 (Utah 1985) (citations omiited), the accused's presence at the time contraband items are found, and the accused's "proximity to the [items}," Burdick, 2014 UT App 34, 136 , 320 P.3d 55 . 12 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Lucero (2×) also: Cited "see"
Utah Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
See, eg., Ashcraft, 2015 UT 5 , ¶ 20 & n. 3, 349 P.3d 664 ; State v. Workman, 2005 UT 66, ¶¶ 33-35 , 122 P.3d 639 ; State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 320 (Utah 1985); Gongalez-Camargo, 2012 UT App 366, ¶ 17 , 293 P.3d 1121 ; State v. Salas, 820 P.2d 1386, 1388 (Utah Ct.App.1991).
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Gonzalez-Camargo (5×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Utah Ct. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
Although Gonzalez-Camargo did not have any drugs on his person when he was arrested, "[al person who does not have actual physical possession may still be convicted ... if the State can prove constructive possession." Workman, 2005 UT 66, ¶ 31 , 122 P.3d 639 . 117 To establish constructive possession, the State must " 'prove that there was a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug"" Id. (quoting State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Cardona-Gueton
Utah Ct. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318 (Utah 1985); see also State v. Layman, 953 P.2d 782, 787 (Utah Ct.App.1998) (Layman I), aff'd, 1999 UT 79 , 985 P.2d 911 (Layman II).
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Martin (3×) also: Cited "see"
Utah Ct. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
A convietion may also be based on constructive possession." State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318-19 (Utah 1985) (citation omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State, in the Interest of Mb
Utah Ct. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
"Knowledge and ability to possess do not equal possession where there is no evidence of intent to make use of that knowledge and ability." State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Briggs (2×)
Utah · 2008 · confidence medium
See State v. Layman, 1999 UT 79, ¶¶ 13-15 , 985 P.2d 911 ; State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318-19 (Utah 1985); State v. Anderton, 668 P.2d 1258, 1263-64 (Utah 1983) (Durham, J., concurring); State v. Carlson, 635 P.2d 72, 74 (Utah 1981). 5 But constructive possession is not the only theory under which an accomplice may be found guilty of possession without actually possessing the contraband.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Workman (2×) also: Cited "see"
Utah · 2005 · confidence medium
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985). ¶ 32 Several factors may be important in determining whether the nexus in a *646 particular case is sufficient, including ownership and/or occupancy of the residence or vehicle where the drugs were found, presence of defendant at the time drugs were found, defendant’s proximity to the drugs, previous drug use, incriminating statements or behavior, presence of drugs in a specific area where the defendant had control, etc. See State v. Anderton, 668 P.2d 1258, 1264 (Utah 1983); Fox, 709 P.2d at 319 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Cruz
Utah · 2005 · confidence medium
Because the State sought to connect Cruz to the seized meth lab on a theory of constructive possession, Cruz asserts that the State was required "to prove that there was a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug.” State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Rothlisberger
Utah Ct. App. · 2004 · signal: cf. · confidence medium
Cf. State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 320 (Utah 1985) (noting that the quantity of an illegal substance can be used as evidence of an intent to distribute); State v. Anderton, 668 P.2d 1258, 1262 (Utah 1983) (same).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rivas v. United States (2×)
D.C. · 2001 · confidence medium
See State v. Bell, 566 So.2d 959, 960 (La.1990) (reversing a conviction based on a theory of constructive possession because "[f]rom Bell's mere presence in the car close to the sealed package on the console between the two men, a rational fact finder could not have concluded that, even assuming he was aware of the contents, Bell exercised control and dominion over the package, or that he willfully and knowingly shared with [code defendant] the right to control it"); Taylor v. State, 346 Md. 452 , 697 A.2d 462, 468 (1997) (reiterating that mere presence or association without more, is insuffic…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Chun
Haw. App. · 2000 · confidence medium
In State v. Mundell, 8 Haw.App. 610, 622 , 822 P.2d 23, 29 , cert. denied, 72 Haw. 619 , 841 P.2d 1075 (1991) (quoting State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985)), this court stated that “to support a finding of constructive possession, the evidence must show ‘a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug.’ ” State’s Exhibit No. 5, the packet of crystal methamphetamine, which is the basis for Count II, was found on the couch upon removal of “maybe the pillow o…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Moniz (2×)
Haw. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
That is, the evidence "must raise a reasonable inference that the defendant was engaged in a criminal enterprise and not simply a bystander." State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 320 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Spanish Fork City v. Bryan (2×) also: Cited "see"
Utah Ct. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
Although defendant most certainly knew of the existence of the items and their potential for illegal use, “ ‘[knowledge and ability to possess do not equal possession where there is no evidence of intent to make use of that knowledge and ability.’” Id. (quoting State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Rivera
Utah Ct. App. · 1995 · confidence medium
In order to establish constructive possession, the prosecution must prove “that there was a sufficient nexus between the accused and the [item] to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the [item].” State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Gurr
Utah Ct. App. · 1995 · confidence medium
See, e.g., State v. Hansen, 710 P.2d 182, 183 (Utah 1985) (relying on quantity and presence of equipment to establish intent to distribute); State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 320 (Utah 1985) (relying on quantity and agricultural production of marijuana to establish intent to distribute); State v. Phelps, 782 P.2d 196, 198 (Utah App.1989) (relying on large quantity and equipment to process marijuana to establish intent to distribute).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Lee
Utah Ct. App. · 1993 · confidence medium
Defendant cites State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985) and State v. Salas, 820 P.2d 1386, 1388 (Utah App.1991), in support of this proposition.
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Salas
Utah Ct. App. · 1991 · confidence medium
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State v. Mundell
Haw. App. · 1991 · confidence medium
To support a finding of constructive possession the evidence must show “a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug.” State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985).
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Phelps
Utah Ct. App. · 1989 · confidence medium
State v. Watts, 750 P.2d 1219, 1224-25 (Utah 1988); State v. Hansen, 732 P.2d 127, 131-32 (Utah 1987); State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318-19 (Utah 1985).
examined Cited as authority (rule) State v. Watts (7×) also: Cited "see"
Utah · 1988 · confidence medium
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318-19 (Utah 1985). .
cited Cited as authority (rule) State v. Hansen
Utah · 1987 · confidence medium
State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985); State v. Anderton, 668 P.2d 1258, 1263 (Utah 1983) (Durham, J., concurring opinion with two justices concurring); State v. Carlson, 635 P.2d at 74 .
discussed Cited "see" State v. Hopkins
Utah · 1999 · signal: see · confidence high
See State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318 (Utah 1985) (explaining that constructive possession occurs where there is a “sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug”). ¶ 15 Three witnesses, Weeks, Goodin, and Price, offered detailed and largely consistent testimony describing the method by which Hopkins extracted a white powdery substance from a greenish liquid.
examined Cited "see" State v. Layman (6×)
Utah · 1999 · signal: see · confidence high
See State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1986). ¶ 12 When reviewing a conviction, an appellate court should consider the facts in a light most favorable to the verdict.
discussed Cited "see" State v. Vigh (2×)
Utah Ct. App. · 1994 · signal: see · confidence high
See State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985) (holding not only knowledge of drug but also intent to exercise control over drug necessary for possession conviction).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Serrano-Vargas
Utah Ct. App. · 2022 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Id. ¶ 21; see also State v. Workman, 2005 UT 66, ¶ 34 , 122 P.3d 639 (holding that a defendant had constructive possession when, among other things, her belongings were intermingled with the contraband). ¶15 On the other hand, in State v. Gonzalez-Camargo, 2012 UT App 366 , 293 P.3d 1121 , constructive possession was not established when, apart from “inferences,” “the only evidence tying [the defendant] to the [contraband was] that he was present, along with approximately twelve to fourteen other people, when the police executed the search warrant, and that the [contraband] was discov…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Serrano-Vargas
Utah Ct. App. · 2022 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Id. ¶ 21; see also State v. Workman, 2005 UT 66, ¶ 34 , 122 P.3d 639 (holding that a defendant had constructive possession when, among other things, her belongings were intermingled with the contraband). ¶15 On the other hand, in State v. Gonzalez-Camargo, 2012 UT App 366 , 293 P.3d 1121 , constructive possession was not established when, apart from “inferences,” “the only evidence tying [the defendant] to the [contraband was] that he was present, along with approximately twelve to fourteen other people, when the police executed the search warrant, and that the [contraband] was discov…
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Gallegos (2×)
Utah Ct. App. · 2020 · signal: see also · confidence medium
Whether a “sufficient nexus” exists “depends upon the facts and circumstances of each case.” Id. (quotation simplified); see also State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 319 (Utah 1985) (stating that “the determination that someone has constructive possession of drugs is a factual determination which turns on the particular circumstances of the case”).
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Gonzales-Bejarano
Utah Ct. App. · 2018 · signal: see also · confidence low
See id. ; see also State v. Fox , 709 P.2d 316 , 320 (Utah 1985). ¶43 With respect to simple drug possession, intent may also be inferred from possession.
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Taylor
Utah Ct. App. · 1991 · signal: see also · confidence medium
In Hansen , the supreme court noted that to prove a defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance the prosecution "need only establish that the produced contraband was found in a place or under circumstances indicating that the accused had the ability and the intent to exercise dominion and control over it.” Id. at 132 ; see also State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316, 318-19 (Utah 1985) (where contraband is “subject to [defendant’s] dominion and control” constructive possession exists; sufficient nexus between drug and defendant necessary to permit inference that defendan…
cited Cited "see, e.g." State v. Ayala
Utah Ct. App. · 1988 · signal: see also · confidence low
See also State v. Fox, 709 P.2d 316 (Utah 1985).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." State v. Garza
Idaho Ct. App. · 1987 · signal: see also · confidence low
Further, “[t]here must be substantial evidence, either direct or circumstantial, that establishes the guilt of [a] defendant as an individual rather than the collective guilt of two or more persons.” State v. Vinton, 110 Idaho at 834 , 718 P.2d at 1272 ; see also State v. Fox, supra. The state established that Brenda and her husband had joint possessory interest in the property which yielded the marijuana.
The STATE of Utah, Plaintiff and Respondent,
v.
Gary L. FOX, Defendant and Appellant; The STATE of Utah, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. Clive FOX, Defendant and Appellant
20088, 20089.
Utah Supreme Court.
Oct 18, 1985.
709 P.2d 316
H. Don Sharp, Ogden, for defendant and appellant., David L. Wilkinson, Atty. Gen., Earl F. Dorius, Salt Lake City, for plaintiff and respondent.
Stewart, Durham, Zimmerman, Howe, Hall.
Cited by 54 opinions  |  Published
1 passage pin-cited by 1 case
Pinpoint authority: bottom 84%
Citer courts: Court of Appeals of Utah (1)

Lead Opinion

STEWART, Justice:

Defendants Gary and Clive Fox were convicted of possession with intent to dis[*318] tribute and production of a controlled substance in violation of U.C.A., 1953, § 58-37-8(l)(a)(i) and § 58 — 37—8(l)(a)(ii). On appeal, both defendants argue that the evidence is insufficient to sustain the charges. We affirm the conviction of Gary Fox and reverse the conviction of Clive Fox.

In June 1983, the Weber County Sheriffs Office received an anonymous letter stating that 7-foot marijuana plants growing at 249 Harris Street in Ogden were soon to be harvested. The residence belonged to Gary Fox. Acting on the tip, an officer went to the residence to investigate. He saw that the yard contained two opaque greenhouses, one of which was attached to the house. The officer was able to determine that one greenhouse contained marijuana because a marijuana leaf was pressed against the greenhouse. That same day, the officer obtained a search warrant for the house and the greenhouses and conducted a search while the premises were unoccupied.

The home had two bedrooms. One bedroom contained men’s clothing, carpentry tools, and a plastic identification card for Clive which had expired April 15, 1982. The second bedroom contained men’s clothing, women’s underclothing, a checkbook and bank deposit slips with Gary’s name on them, a book entitled Marijuana Grower’s Guide, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The kitchen contained marijuana and other paraphernalia. Both greenhouses contained marijuana plants. One of the greenhouses was accessible from the kitchen and had no outside entrance. The kitchen and greenhouse were not separated or blocked off from the remainder of the house, and the entire house was very humid. In searching the house the officers found mail addressed to both Gary and Clive.

Gary owned the property. He arranged for the delivery of gas to the house, and the gas bills were sent to him. The telephone listing, however, was in Clive’s name, and had been since 1979.

Neither Gary nor Clive had been seen near the house by the police. Mr. Seamon, a neighbor, testified that he thought Gary and Clive lived at the house: “I would see them on weekends would be all,” doing yard work. Mrs. Seamon testified in response to a question whether she knew who lived at 249 Harris: “Well, I had seen Clive and Gary Fox over there.” Neither witness remembered seeing either Gary or Clive at the house on any specific occasion during the month preceding the arrest, but remembered they were absent for a period following the arrest. An officer testified that the house appeared to be occupied because the refrigerator and cupboards contained food, and the kitchen had both clean and dirty dishes in it.

At the close of the State’s case, both Gary and Clive moved to dismiss the charges because of insufficient evidence. The motion was denied. The trial court stated that the defendants lived in or occupied the home, and that there was “enough marijuana growth for sale.”

Both were convicted of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for value in violation of U.C.A., 1953, § 58-37-8(l)(a)(i) and § 58-37-8(l)(a)(ii). On appeal, the defendants renew their claim that there was insufficient evidence to prove that they grew marijuana and that the marijuana found in the residence belonged to them or was for distribution.

This Court may overturn a conviction for insufficient evidence when it is apparent that the evidence is insufficient to prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Petree, Utah, 659 P.2d 443, 444 (1983).

A conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute requires proof of two elements: (1) that defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance, and (2) that defendant intended to distribute the controlled substance to another. U.C.A., 1953, § 58 — 37—8(l)(a)(ii). Actual physical possession presupposes knowing and intentional possession. However, actual physical possession is not necessary to convict a defendant of possession of a controlled substance. State v. Carlson, Utah, 635 P.2d[*319] 72, 74 (1981). A conviction may also be based on constructive possession. Id. In Carlson, we held that constructive possession exists “where the contraband is subject to [defendant’s] dominion and control.” Id. However, persons who might know of the whereabouts of illicit drugs and who might even have access to them, but who have no intent to obtain and use the drugs can not be convicted of possession of a controlled substance. Knowledge and ability to possess do not equal possession where there is no evidence of intent to make use of that knowledge and ability.

To find that a defendant had constructive possession of a drug or other contraband, it is necessary to prove that there was a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug to permit an inference that the accused had both the power and the intent to exercise dominion and control over the drug. See United States v. Cardenas, 748 F.2d 1015, 1019-20 (5th Cir.1984); United States v. Rackley, 742 F.2d 1266, 1272 (11th Cir.1984); United States v. Davis, 562 F.2d 681, 694 (1977) (Bazelon, C.J., dissenting in part, concurring in part).

Whether a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug exists depends upon the facts and circumstances of each case. State v. Anderton, Utah, 668 P.2d 1258, 1264 (1983). Ownership and/or occupancy of the premises upon which the drugs are found, although important factors, are not alone sufficient to establish constructive possession, especially when occupancy is not exclusive. United States v. Davis, 562 F.2d 681, 693 (D.C.Cir.1977). Some other factors which might combine to show a sufficient nexus between the accused and the drug are: incriminating statements made by the accused, Allen v. State, 158 Ga.App. 691, 282 S.E.2d 126, 127 (1981) (defendant told unnamed individual that defendant had $500 worth of marijuana); incriminating behavior of the accused, United States v. Garcia, 655 F.2d 59 (5th Cir.1981) (defendant nodded affirmatively when introduced as owner of cocaine, and remained with drug during negotiations); Francis v. State, Ala.App., 410 So.2d 469 (1982) (defendant slammed door in face of police and ran back into the house yelling, “throw it in the fire”); presence of drugs in a specific area over which the accused had control, such as a closet or drawer containing the accused’s clothing or other personal effects, Walker v. United States, 489 F.2d 714, 715 (8th Cir.) (drugs found in closet containing defendant’s clothing), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 990, 94 S.Ct. 2399, 40 L.Ed.2d 768 (1974); presence of drug paraphernalia among the accused’s personal effects or in a place over which the accused has special control, United States v. James, 494 F.2d 1007, 1030-31 (D.C.Cir.) (drug paraphernalia found in a locked box in defendant’s dresser), cert. denied sub nom., Jackson v. United States, 419 U.S. 1020, 95 S.Ct. 495, 42 L.Ed.2d 294 (1974); Petley v. United States, 427 F.2d 1101, 1106 (9th Cir.) (pipe containing marijuana residue found in defendant’s duffel bag), cert. denied, 400 U.S. 827, 91 S.Ct. 55, 27 L.Ed.2d 57 (1970). In every case, the determination that someone has constructive possession of drugs is a factual determination which turns on the particular circumstances of the case. Among these circumstances must be facts which permit the inference that the accused intended to use the drugs as his or her own. A conviction for production of a controlled substance requires evidence that the accused knowingly and intentionally produced the controlled substance. U.C.A., 1953, § 58-37-8(l)(a)(i) (supp.1983); see State v. Echevarrieta, Utah, 621 P.2d 709, 712 (1980); and evidence of possession may be part of a circumstantial link in the necessary chain of evidence.

The evidence as to Gary sufficiently supports his convictions for production of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana with an intent to distribute. Gary owned the property where the marijuana was found. Although he may not have had exclusive control or possession (in a practical non-legal sense) of the premises, his non-exclusive possession and control combined with other incriminating evidence[*320] to provide an adequate foundation for the convictions. State v. Anderton, Utah, 668 P.2d 1258, 1264 (1983). Gary owned the house. His occupancy and control was evidenced by the presence of his personal effects in the same room as marijuana, drug-related paraphernalia, and a book entitled Marijuana Grower’s Guide. Another room also contained marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Because he was the owner and occupier of the property and because of the manner in which the greenhouses were constructed in proximity to the house, one being accessible only through the house, there is a reasonable inference that he not only knew of the greenhouses and their contents but also had the power and intent to exercise dominion and control over the marijuana located in them, and was responsible for growing the marijuana. Furthermore, there was sufficient evidence that he intended to distribute the marijuana. Where one possesses a controlled substance in a quantity too large for personal consumption, the trier of fact can infer that the possessor had an intent to distribute. State v. Anderton, Utah, 668 P.2d 1258, 1262 (1983). The police found approximately 2,850 mature marijuana plants growing on Gary’s property, an amount of marijuana unquestionably too large for personal use.

On these facts the evidence was sufficient to sustain the conviction of Gary Fox of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and production of a controlled substance.

Because one of the greenhouses was attached to the house and was openly accessible from the kitchen, the trier of fact could reasonably find that Clive Fox knew that marijuana was being grown in the house. However, to prove that he had constructive possession of the marijuana, the evidence must also show that he had the power and intent to exercise dominion or control over the marijuana. There is no evidence that Clive Fox had any intent to grow or to possess the marijuana in the greenhouses. While he may have had knowledge of the existence of marijuana on the premises, that is not the equivalent of constructive possession. Indeed, evidence supporting the theory of “constructive possession” must raise a reasonable inference that the defendant was engaged in a criminal enterprise and not simply a bystander. That is, the evidence in its totality must show that defendant’s dominion or control over the area must have been such that he in fact intended to exercise dominion and control over the marijuana.

The evidence showed that the telephone at 246 Harris Street was in Clive’s name, that he was seen there on an undated occasion doing yard work, that mail addressed to him was found at unspecified locations within the house, and that his expired identification card was found in the room that apparently was his sleeping quarters, which contained no marijuana or related paraphernalia. On the totality of the evidence, a reasonable person could not find beyond a reasonable doubt that Clive had even non-exclusive dominion or control over the area where the marijuana was found. There was not any evidence at all beyond the possibility that Clive sometimes occupied the premises to link Clive Fox to the marijuana. In addition, there is no evidence that Clive grew the marijuana plants or participated in producing or distributing the marijuana.

The conviction of Gary Fox is affirmed. The conviction of Clive Fox is reversed, and that case is remanded for the purpose of discharging him.

DURHAM and ZIMMERMAN, JJ., concur.

Concurrence in Part

HALL, Chief Justice

(concurring and dissenting):

I do not join the Court in overturning the convictions of defendant Clive Fox because I am not persuaded that the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This Court’s standard of review when faced with a claim of insufficiency of the[*321] evidence is to view the evidence, and the facts reasonably to be inferred therefrom, in the light most favorable to the determination made by the trier of fact.[1] We will only interfere when the evidence is so lacking and insubstantial that a reasonable person could not possibly have determined guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.[2]

The evidence was that defendant’s identification card and mail addressed to him were found in the residence. Phone service was in his name. The neighbors testified that defendant had lived there with defendant Gary Fox over a period of three years and that they had constructed the greenhouse which was only accessible through a door off the kitchen. No one else but defendant was identified as living in the house. Items of men’s clothing were in the bedrooms, dirty dishes were in the sink, beds were unmade, and food was stocked in cupboards and in the refrigerator, all of which indicated the house was used as a dwelling.

The entire house was a virtual marijuana production center. The attached greenhouse was filled with growing marijuana plants which made the premises uncomfortably humid. The doorway from the kitchen afforded an unobstructed view of the greenhouse and its contents. A large bag of harvested marijuana was found in the kitchen, a common area of the house likely to be used daily by the occupants.

It was certainly reasonable to infer that not just one but both defendants knew of the greenhouse and its contents, had the power and intent to exercise dominion and control over the marijuana, and were jointly engaged in growing the marijuana and holding it for sale.

I would affirm the convictions of both defendants.

HOWE, J., concurs in the concurring and dissenting opinion of Chief Justice HALL.
1

State v. McCardell, Utah, 652 P.2d 942, 945 (1982).

2

Id.