Accomplice or Not?

Accomplice or Not?

Ron has been selling cocaine and marijuana out of his apartment for several years. He is a notorious and ruthless drug dealer whom the local authorities have been watching for several years. Marisol is Ron’s live-in girlfriend. Although she does not directly sell drugs, at times she packages the drugs when Ron is selling large quantities, takes messages for Ron, and instruct buyers when to come by. Ron’s operation ends when police execute a search warrant and discover large quantities of cocaine. They charge Marisol as an accessory after Ron informs them that she has been helping him by packaging the drugs and assisting buyers. Answer the following questions:

a. Can Marisol be convicted as an accomplice? Why or why not?

b. Does it matter if Marisol was never in the house when the actual drug sales took place?

Solution: