Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

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What are the required elements for the possession of a controlled substance?

Ownership of the substance
Knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance
Having receipts for the substance
Possession in public areas

The correct answer is: Knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance

The essential element for the possession of a controlled substance is that the individual must knowingly or intentionally possess the substance. This means that the person must have awareness of the presence of the substance and the ability to control it. The legal definition of possession does not require ownership; rather, it is sufficient for a person to have control over the substance, whether it is on their person or within their premises. Other aspects, such as having receipts for the substance or possessing it in public areas, do not satisfy the legal criteria for possession. Ownership alone is not necessary; one can possess something that they do not legally own. The key factor is the knowledge and intentionality regarding the possession, which constitutes a critical component in legal assessments of drug-related offenses.