State of Iowa
v.
Michael James Jones
The State seeks further review of the court of appeals decision reversing and remanding Michael James Jones’s convictions following a jury trial for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. The court agreed with Jones’s argument that there was insufficient evidence to support the convictions on the basis Jones’s mere proximity to the drugs alone cannot support a finding of constructive possession.
Applicant
State of Iowa
Resister
Michael James Jones
Attorney for the Applicant
Zachary Miller
Attorney for the Resister
Pamela Wingert
Supreme Court
Oral Argument Schedule
15-15-5
Oct 21, 2021 9:00 AM
Briefs
Supreme Court Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Clay County, Nancy L. Whittenburg, Judge. REVERSED AND REMANDED. Considered by Doyle, P.J., and Mullins and Greer, JJ. Carr, S.J., takes no part. Opinion by Doyle, P.J. (10 pages)
A jury found Michael Jones guilty of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. Jones claims there is insufficient evidence to support the convictions. OPINION HOLDS: We are not satisfied the evidence was sufficient for the jury to reasonably infer that Jones knew the drugs were present and exercised control and dominion over them. Because the evidence could not support the jury’s verdict, we reverse the judgment and sentence entered following Jones’s convictions and remand the case to the district court to vacate Jones’s convictions and dismiss the charges.