Gatlin v. State

SMITH, Judge.

Appellant seeks reversal of his conviction for possession of cocaine, arguing that the instructions given to the jury were violative of due process as creating a mandatory presumption. We disagree and affirm.

Police were summoned to appellant’s residence following an argument between appellant and his girlfriend. The girlfriend claimed to have been attacked by appellant. Police observed abrasions on her face, whereupon appellant was told he was being charged with battery, and he was arrested. At the time of arrest, appellant was only partially dressed, but before being escorted to…