Supreme Court of Virginia

Ralph Durham Powers v. Commonwealth of Virginia

June 15, 1984227 Va. 474

Summary

The court held that the evidence was insufficient to prove that Powers knowingly possessed the LSD or exercised dominion and control over it. The LSD’s presence in the residence, together with the absence of evidence that another person owned possessions there and the drug’s value, did not establish constructive possession beyond a reasonable doubt. The conviction was reversed and final judgment was entered dismissing the indictment.