State v. White

The state charged Laxaverian White ("White") with distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute those Controlled Dangerous Substances ("CDS"). Following a trial on the merits, the jury returned a responsive verdict of guilty to possession of cocaine and attempted possession of marijuana. The court imposed a sentence of three years at hard labor on the cocaine charge and sixty days on the marijuana charge, with the sentences to be served consecutively to each other and to a revoked parole sentence. White has not challenged his conviction for attempted possession of marijuana, nor has he challenged his sentences. However, White does challenge the sufficiency of the evidence of the conviction for possession of cocaine. We find that the evidence supports a finding of constructive possession of cocaine beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, the convictions and sentences are affirmed.