If I'm just holding some drugs temporarily, can I be arrested for posession in the US?

[Anonymous]

Somebody hands me a packet of illegal drugs while they tie their shoes or something, and a police officer happens to see it, have I committed a crime?

Not American, see results

American: Yes

American: No

American: depends

Updates

+1 y

OK, so 100% of Americans who responded say yes. How about if it's illegal for someone to receive a firearm then gets photos taken of him holding one? Even has people claim he bought one, before walking it back?

crooksandliars.com/.../trump-glock-twitter.png

[normalice]

Yes. That's why they handed it to you. No one hands someone thousands of dollars of illegal product because they need to tie their shoes.

That said, an arrest is not a prosecution. You'll probably be arrested but if it is found you are likely an innocent bystander and the other person "dropped a dime" on you, you'll likely be released.

[Asker]

It doesn't have to be a huge amount, just enough for personal use.

[slatyb]

You can be arrested at any time.

[Asker]

Doesn't there have to be a crime you're being arrested for?

[msc545]

No. You can be arrested for any reason the cops decide to make up if they dislike you.

[On_cloud_wine]

@msc545 not all cops are a-holes.

[msc545]

@On_cloud_wine No, they are not, but that is sort of irrelevant here.

[On_cloud_wine]

@msc545 meh.

[Anonymous]

why would you hold drugs for anyone? if your'e not doing them yourself?

[Asker]

It's just someone showing off how cool they are, say...

[Opinion Owner]

I'm not following? ... holding someone's drugs shows off how cool they are? Wthe actual F?

[Asker]

Bear with me; there is a point to this question... It will come in the update.

[Asker]

[OddBeMe]

Yes “but”…

Most cops see it as just a gateway if they want to take you down for more serious crimes. Oh and what the drug is. Fentanyl? Yeah they’re being ridden hard to plug those dealers. Marijuana? You could probably smoke it in front of them lol

[BadApple69]

Possession IS the crime. Doesn’t have to be yours. Most people selling drugs don’t own the drugs, they are selling for someone else.

[BuckCannon]

Of course. But the judge might let you off.

[exitseven]

Yes, You can even be arrested for being present where drugs are found.

[gorydetails]

Yes, you are in possession.

[jimmy2]

For sure