The North Dakota Supreme Court convened on January 11, 2025, to address a pivotal legal issue in the case of State v. Henderson. The primary focus of the hearing was to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to uphold two convictions against the defendant: unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a firearm.
During the proceedings, the court examined the arguments related to the first charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The defense contended that the evidence presented did not support the conviction, asserting that the defendant was not in proximity to the paraphernalia in question. The defense emphasized that multiple individuals had access to the items found in the home, suggesting that the evidence was insufficient to link the defendant directly to the paraphernalia.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the interpretation of possession laws in North Dakota, particularly regarding the burden of proof required for such convictions. The court's decision will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for future cases involving similar charges.