7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
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Title 21 Offenses (21 USC 841(a)(1) - 21 USC 952(b))
01
Distribution Of A Controlled Substance--Elements (21 USC 841(a)(1))
02 Definition Of
Distribution (21 USC 841(a)(1))
03 Knowledge Of
Identity Of Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
04 Possession With
Intent To Distribute--Elements (21 USC 841(a)(1))
05 Definition Of
Possession (21 USC 841(a)(1))
06 Definition Of
Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
07 Use Of
Communication Facility In Aid Of Narcotics Offense – Elements (21 USC 843(b))
08 Use Of
Communication Facility In Aid Of Narcotics Offense --Definitions (21 USC 843(b))
09
Conspiracy--Elements (21 USC 846)
10 Continuing
Criminal Enterprise--Elements (21 USC 848)
11 Continuing
Criminal Enterprise--Continuing Series Of Offenses (21 USC 848)
12 Continuing
Criminal Enterprise--Five Or More Persons (21 USC 848)
13 Continuing
Criminal Enterprise--Organizing, Managing, Supervising (21 USC 848)
14 Continuing
Criminal Enterprise--Substantial Income Or Resources (21 USC 848)
15 Definition Of
Import (21 USC 951(a)(1))
16 Definition Of
Customs Territory Of The United States (21 USC 951(a)(2))
17 Importation Of
Controlled Substances – Elements (21 USC 952(a))
18 Definition Of
Controlled Substance (21 USC 952(a))
19 Knowledge Of
Identity Of Controlled Substance (21 USC 952(a))
20 Importation Of
Nonnarcotic Drugs--Elements (21 USC 952(b))
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[01] Distribution of a Controlled Substance--Elements
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
To sustain the charge of distributing (identify controlled substance), the government must prove the following propositions:
First, the defendant distributed (identify controlled substance);
Second, the defendant did so knowingly or intentionally; and,
Third, the defendant knew the substance was a controlled substance.
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty.
Committee Comment
Where the defendant has challenged the government's proof that the substance in question falls within the statutory definition, more detailed instructions may be required. For examples of such instructions, see United States v. Luschen, 614 F.2d 1164, 1169 n.2 (8th Cir.1980); United States v. Umentum, 547 F.2d 987, 992 n.3 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 983 (1977); United States v. Orzechowski, 547 F.2d 978, 982-83 n.3, 983 n.4 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 906 (1977).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[02] Definition of Distribution
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841 (a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
Distribution is the [transfer; attempted transfer] of possession from one person to another.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[03] Knowledge of Identity of Substance
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841 (a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
It is sufficient that the defendant knew that the substance was some kind of prohibited drug. It does not matter whether the defendant knew that the substance was (identify controlled substance).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[04] Possession With Intent to Distribute--Elements
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841 (a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
To sustain the charge of possession of (identify controlled substance); with intent to distribute as charged in Count __, the government must prove the following propositions:
First, the defendant knowingly or intentionally possessed (identify controlled substance);
Second, the defendant possessed (identify controlled substance) with the intent to deliver it to another person.
It does not matter whether the defendant knew the substance was (identify controlled substance). It is sufficient that the defendant knew that it was some kind of prohibited drug.
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty.
Committee Comment
Where the defendant has challenged the government's proof that the substance in question falls within the statutory definition, more detailed instructions may be required. For examples of such instructions, see United States v. Luschen, 614 F.2d 1164, 1169 n.2 (8th Cir.1980); United States v. Umentum, 547 F.2d 987, 992 n.3 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 983 (1977); United States v. Orzechowski, 547 F.2d 978, 982-83 n.3, 983 n.4 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 906 (1977).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[05] Definition of Possession
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841 (a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
Possession of an object is the ability to control it. Possession may exist even when a person is not in physical contact with the object, but knowingly has the power and intention to exercise direction and control over it, either directly or through others.
Committee Comment
The possession instruction is based on that approved in United States v. Lloyd, 71 F.3d 1256, 1266-67 (7th Cir.1995), with two changes. First, instead of "dominion," a non-ordinary word, we have used "direction." Second, the Committee has eliminated the use of the term "constructive possession," though the concept remains within the instruction. This instruction may also be used in connection with other possession statutes, such as 18 USC 922(g).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[06] Definition of Controlled Substance
(21 USC 841(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841 (a)(1))
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Distribution Of A Controlled Substance (21 USC 841(a)(1))
You are instructed that (identify the controlled substance) is a controlled substance.
Committee Comment
Where the defendant has challenged the government's proof that the substance in question falls within the statutory definition of the substance charged, more detailed instructions may be required. Such instructions should make clear that the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the substance in question was in fact the substance charged as defined in the appropriate Schedule of 21 USC 812. The instructions may also need to include a definition of the substance as articulated in § 802(16) (definition of "narcotic" drug) and § 812. For examples of such instructions, see United States v. Luschen, 614 F.2d 1164, 1169 n.2 (8th Cir.1980); United States v. Umentum, 547 F.2d 987, 992 n.3 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 983 (1977); United States v. Orzechowski, 547 F.2d 978, 982-83 n.3, 983 n.4 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 906 (1977).
Where a question arises as to whether the drug is a narcotic or non- narcotic drug, both the definition of narcotic drug and the elements instruction for 21 USC 952(b) (lesser-included offense) should be given.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[07] Use of Communication Facility in Aid of Narcotics Offense–Elements
(21 USC 843(b))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Unlawful Use Of Communications Facility (21 USC 843(b))
To sustain the charge in Count ___ that a [the] defendant used or caused to be used, a [telephone] [other communication facility] to facilitate a violation of the narcotics laws, the government must prove each of the following propositions beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, the defendant used a [telephone] [other communication facility];
Second, that use of the [telephone] [other communication facility] was accomplished as part of the committing of, or to cause or facilitate the committing of, [list possible predicate offenses,including possession with intent to distribute, unlawful distribution, or conspiracy]; and
Third, that such use of a telephone was knowing or intentional.
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty of the charge in Count ___.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty of the charge in Count ___.
Committee Comment
See United States v. Rey, 641 F.2d 222, 224 n.6 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 861 (1981).
Telephones are the most common form of communication facility charged under 21 USC 843(b). If another type of facility is charged, and it if falls within the list included in the statute, it should be listed specifically in this instruction.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[08] Use of Communication Facility in Aid of Narcotics Offense --Definitions
(21 USC 843(b))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Unlawful Use Of Communications Facility (21 USC 843(b))
A [call] [transmission] facilitates the committing of an offense if it makes that offense easier, or if it assists in the committing of the offense.
[A "communication facility" can be any [public or private] device that is [or can be] used to transmit writing, signs, signals, or pictures of all kinds. This includes the mail, a telephone, a radio, or any method of wire or other means of communication.]
Committee Comment
Regarding the definition of "facilitate," see United States v. Aquilla, 976 F.2d 1044, 1049 (7th Cir. 1992); United States v. Alvarez, 860 F.2d 801, 813 (7th Cir.1988).
If there is no dispute as to whether the device allegedly used was a "communication facility" (which should be true in most cases), the second paragraph should not be given and the facility used should be specified in the elements instruction.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[09] Conspiracy--Elements
(21 USC 846)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Controlled Substances -- Conspiracy (21 USC 846)
Committee Comment
The Committee recommends the use of the general Conspiracy instruction, without the overt act requirement. See Committee Comment following that instruction. United States v. Shabani, 115 S.Ct. 382 (1994); see also United States v. Umentum, 547 F.2d 987, 991 (7th Cir. 1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 983 (1977); United States v. Sassi, 966 F.2d 283, 285 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 506 U.S. 991 (1992).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[10] Continuing Criminal Enterprise--Elements
(21 USC 848)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 USC 848)
To sustain the charge in Count ___ that a [the] defendant engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise, the government must prove each of the following propositions beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, that the defendant committed a continuing series of at least three or more of the narcotics offenses alleged in Count ___;
Second, the defendant committed the offenses acting in concert with five or more other persons;
Third, the defendant acted as an organizer, supervisor or manager of those five or more other persons; and
Fourth, the defendant obtained substantial income or resources from the offenses.
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty on Count ___.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all of the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty on Count ___.
Committee Comment
See United States v. Gibbs, 61 F.3d 536, 537 (7th Cir.1995); United States v. Herrera-Rivera, 25 F.3d 491, 498 (7th Cir.1994).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[11] Continuing Criminal Enterprise--Continuing Series of Offenses
(21 USC 848)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 USC 848)
The narcotics offenses you may consider in determining whether the defendant committed a continuing series of at least three offenses include:
[List possible predicate offenses (including those charged in the indictment), e.g. distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, or use of telephones to facilitate the commission of a narcotics offense.]
In determining whether the defendant engaged in a continuing series of at least three narcotics offenses, you may consider the offenses alleged in the indictment [as well as other alleged offenses of these types.] You must find that the government has proved that the defendant committed any offense beyond a reasonable doubt in order to consider it to be part of a continuing series.
Committee Comment
See Garrett v. United States, 471 U.S. 773 (1985); United States v. Baker, 905 F.2d 1100, 1103 (7th Cir.1990); United States v. Young, 745 F.2d 733 (2nd Cir.1984); cf. United States v. Markowski, 772 F.2d 358, 361 n.1 (7th Cir.1985). Note that the Seventh circuit, in accord with the majority of circuits that have considered the question, does not require unanimity on the jury's part as to which specific offenses make up the continuing series. United States v. Canino, 949 F.2d 928 (7th Cir.1991); but see United States v. Edmonds, 80 F.3d 810 (3rd Cir.1996) (en banc).
The bracketed language should only be used if the indictment charges a continuing series of offenses consisting of specified acts, as opposed to a series of consisting of statutory categories of offenses such as "multiple acts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances."
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[12] Continuing Criminal Enterprise--Five or More Persons
(21 USC 848)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 USC 848)
If you find that the defendant committed a continuing series of narcotics offenses, you must also decide whether the defendant committed this series of offenses in concert with five or more persons whom he/she organized, supervised or managed. [Those persons do not have to be named in the indictment.]
In order to find that the defendant acted in concert with five or more persons, you must unanimously agree that the defendant organized, supervised or managed five or more persons in committing the series of offenses. However, you do not have to agree on the identity of five or more persons with whom the defendant acted. [You do not have to find that the five or more persons acted together at the same time, or that the defendant personally dealt with them, or that all five persons were present at the same time.] [It is not required that the defendant acted in concert with five or more persons in the commission of any single offense that is one of the series of offenses constituting the continuing criminal enterprise.] [You do not have to find that the defendant had the same relationship with each of the five or more persons.]
Committee Comment
See United States v. Gibbs, 61 F.3d 536, 538, 539 n.1 (7th Cir.1995); United States v. Bafia, 949 F.2d 1465, 1470-71 (7th Cir.1991); United States v. Markowski, 772 F.2d 358, 364 (7th Cir.1985), cert. denied, 475 U.S. 1018 (1986).
The bracketed instructions should be given only where the question addressed is raised.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[13] Continuing Criminal Enterprise--Organizing, Managing, Supervising
(21 USC 848)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 USC 848)
The terms "organizer," "supervisory position," and "any other position of management" are used in their ordinary meaning. As to each of the five or more people, the government must prove that the defendant organized or supervised or managed them in accomplishing the activities that contribute to the continuing enterprise.
The defendant need not have had personal contact with each of the five or more persons whom he organized, supervised or managed. [The defendant may still be considered an organizer, supervisor or manager even if he delegated the authority to personally hire those whom he is alleged to have organized, supervised or managed.]
Committee Comment
See United States v. Gibbs, 61 F.3d 536, 538 (7th Cir. 1995); United States v. Mannino, 635 F.2d 110, 116-17 (2nd Cir.1980); United States v. Ray, 731 F.2d 1361, 1367 (9th Cir.1984); United States v. Dickey, 736 F.2d 571, 587 (10th Cir.1984); United States v. Phillips, 664 F.2d 971, 1013 and 1034 (5th Cir.1981) cert. denied, 457 U.S. 1136 (1982); United States v. Rhodes, 779 F.2d 1019, 1026 (4th Cir.1985).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[14] Continuing Criminal Enterprise--Substantial Income or Resources
(21 USC 848)
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (21 USC 848)
The term "substantial" means of real worth and importance, or of considerable value. The term "resources" includes money, drugs or other items of material value.
The element of "substantial income or resources" can be proved circumstantially. For example, evidence of substantial gross receipts, substantial gross income or expenditures, receipt or possession of a large amount of narcotics, a large cash flow, a substantial amount of money changing hands, or anticipated profits from future sales may be considered by you in determining whether defendant obtained "substantial income and resources" from the continuing criminal enterprise. [Substantial income or resources is not limited to substantial "net" income or profit.]
Committee Comment
See United States v. Herrera-Rivera, 25 F.3d 491, 499 (7th Cir.1994); United States v.Dickey, 736 F.2d 571, 588 (10th Cir.1984) (substantial gross receipts, gross income, or gross expenditures); United States v. Graziano, 710 F.2d 691, 698 (11th Cir.1983) (receipt of narcotics constitutes income), cert. denied, 466 U.S. 937 (1984); United States v. Chagra, 669 F.2d 241, 257- 58 (5th Cir.) ("accounts receivable" from drug transaction constitutes income; circumstantial evidence permissible; lavish personal expenditures with no legitimate source of income), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 846 (1982); United States v. Thomas, 632 F.2d 837, 847 (10th Cir.) (large cash flow), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 960 (1980); United States v. Bolts, 558 F.2d 316, 321 (5th Cir.1977) (substantial amounts of money changing hands), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 930, 439 U.S. 898 (1978); United States v. Jeffers, 532 F.2d 1101, 1116-17 (7th Cir.1976) (gross receipts), rev'd in part on other grounds, 432 U.S. 137 (1977).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[15] Definition of Import
(21 USC 951(a)(1))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Definition Of Import (21 USC 951(a)(1))
The term import means that the substance in question was brought from a point outside the United States into [the United States; customs territory of the United States].
Committee Comment
The term import is defined in 21 USC 951(a)(1). This section has been interpreted to mean that the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the substance emanated from a point outside the United States and that it was then brought into the United States or a United States customs territory. United States v. Seni, 662 F.2d 277, 286-87 (4th Cir.1981), cert. denied, 455 U.S. 950 (1982); United States v. Watkins, 662 F.2d 1090, 1098 (4th Cir.1981), cert. denied sub nom. Watkins v. United States, 455 U.S. 989 (1982).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[16] Definition of Customs Territory of the United States (Vol. 3, p. 123)
(21 USC 951(a)(2))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Definition Of Customs Territory Of The United States (21 USC 951(a)(2))
Customs territory of the United States includes only the States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Committee Comment
Section 951(a)(2) defines this term by reference to general headnote 2 to the Tariff Schedules of the United States. As of 1984, this headnote defined "customs territory" as set out in this instruction.
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[17] Importation of Controlled Substances –Elements
(21 USC 952(a))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Controlled Substances (21 USC 952(a))
To sustain the charge of importation of controlled substances, the government must prove the following propositions:
First, the defendant imported [identify the substance] into [the United States; customs territory of the United States];
Second, the defendant knew the substance he possessed was a controlled substance;
[Third, the (specify substance here) was not imported pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Attorney General.]
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty.
Committee Comment
The cases make clear that proof of importation alone is insufficient under this statute. The government must prove not only that the substance was imported as defined in Instruction 21 U.S.C. s 951(a)(1) (Definition of Import), supra p. 132, but also that the defendant imported the substance. United States v. Koua Thao, 712 F.2d 369, 371 (8th Cir.1983); United States v. Seni, 662 F.2d 277, 280 (4th Cir.1981), cert. denied sub nom. Minton v. United States; 455 U.S. 950 (1982).
Although the statute itself contains no intent requirement, the cases also make clear that the statute is a specific intent statute which requires the government to prove both that the defendant knowingly imported the substance in question and that the defendant knew the substance was a controlled substance. United States v. Galvan, 693 F.2d 417, 421 (5th Cir.1982) (§ 952 is specific intent statute which requires proof of knowledge "that a controlled substance is being imported"); United States v. Lopez, 663 F.2d 532, 534 (5th Cir.1981) (importation must be done "knowingly and intentionally"); United States v. Seni, 662 F.2d at 280 (importation must be done "knowingly and willfully").
Several circuits have held that the government need not prove the defendant knew specifically which drug he was importing as long as it proves that the defendant knew he was importing a controlled substance. See United States v. Lopez-Martinez, 725 F.2d 471, 475 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 837 (1984); Quintero v. United States, 33 F.3d 1133, 1136 (9th Cir.1994). See also United States v. Lewis, 676 F.2d 147, 149 (9th Cir), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 837 (1976); United States v. Gomez, 905 F.2d 1513, 1514 (11th Cir.), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1092 (1990); United States v. Ramierz-Ramierz, 875 F.2d 772, 774 (9th Cir.1989); United States v. Restrepo-Granda, 575 F.2d 524, 527 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 935 (1978); and United States v. Rea, 532 F.2d 147, 149 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 429 U.S. 837 (1976).. Although the Seventh Circuit never has specifically ruled on the issue, its decisions in United States v. Vargas, 583 F.2d 380, 384 (7th Cir. 1978) and United States v. Moser, 509 F.2d 1089, 1092 (7th Cir.1975), both of which require some sort of proof that the defendant have knowledge of the specific type of drug as charged in the indictment, appear contrary to the above position. However, in United States v. Herrero, 893 F.2d 1512, 1535 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 496 U.S. 927 (1990), the 7th Circuit cited both Lopez-Martinez and Lewis in holding that a co-conspirator need only have knowledge that his partner is dealing in controlled
substances and not that he is distributing a specific drug.
The cases are silent on the issue of whether the defendants must know they are actually crossing a border; i.e. knowingly importing something. Although this silence indicates that the question remains open, because it has never been raised, the Committee decided not to include it as an element in the instruction.
Section 952(a), which is contained in Chapter II of Chapter 13 of Title 21, enumerates several exceptions to its prohibitions which are permitted pursuant to various regulations prescribed by the Attorney General. Other exceptions to § 952 are enumerated in 21 USC 956. Under 21 USC 885(a)(1), the burden of going forward with evidence to support these exceptions is on the defendant. Although this section applies only to Subchapter I, § 965 of Title 21 makes § 885(a)(1) applicable to charges brought under Subchapter II. Thus, it appears that the burden of going forward with evidence to support an exception to § 952(a) is on the defendant.
The Seventh Circuit has so interpreted § 885(a)(1) for offenses included in Subchapter I. United States v. Felts, 602 F.2d 146, 148 (7th Cir.1979), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 1046 (1980); United States v. Kelly, 500 F.2d 72, 73 (7th Cir.1974). Although the Seventh Circuit has never ruled on the application of § 885(a)(1) to § 952 or to any other statute included in Subchapter II, in United States v. Murray, 618 F.2d 892, 901 (2d. Cir.1980), the Second Circuit citing Felts, did apply § 885(a)(1) to statutes included in Subchapter II.
Once a defendant introduces evidence to show that one of the exceptions listed in § 952(a) may be applicable to him, the government must prove the nonapplicability of the exception beyond a reasonable doubt and the exception must be included as an element in the elements instruction. United States v. Kelly, supra at 74
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[18] Definition of Controlled Substance
(21 USC 952(a))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Controlled Substances (21 USC 952(a))
I instruct you that (identify the substance) is a [controlled substance; narcotic drug; non-narcotic drug].
Committee Comment
Where the defendant has challenged the government's proof that the substance in question falls within the statutory definition of the substance charged, more detailed instructions may be required. Such instructions should make clear that the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the substance in question was in fact the substance charged as defined in the appropriate Schedule of 21 U.S.C. s 812. The instructions may also need to include a definition of the substance as articulated in s 802(16) (definition of "narcotic" drug) and s 812. For examples of such instructions, see United States v. Luschen, 614 F.2d 1164, 1169 n.2 (8th Cir.1980); United States v. Umentum, 547 F.2d 987, 992 n.3 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 430 U.S. 983 (1977); United States v. Orzechowski, 547 F.2d 978, 982-83 n.3, 983 n.4 (7th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 906 (1977).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[19] Knowledge of Identity of Controlled Substance
(21 USC 952(a))
FORECITE National™ Materials Related To This Instruction:
See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Controlled Substances (21 USC 952(a))
It is sufficient that the defendant knew that the substance was some kind of prohibited drug. It does not matter whether the defendant knew that the substance was (identify the substance).
7th CIRCUIT FEDERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1999
[20] Importation of Non-Narcotic Drugs--Elements
(21 USC 952(b))
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See FORECITE National™ Federal Models By Offense: Importation Of Nonnarcotic Drugs--Elements (21 USC 952(b))
To sustain the charge of importation of controlled substances, the government must prove the following propositions:
First, the defendant imported (here specify substance) into [the United States; customs territory of the United States];
Second, the defendant knew the substance was a controlled substance;
[Third, the (here specify substance) was not imported pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Attorney General.]
It does not matter whether the defendant knew that the substance was _____. It is sufficient that the defendant knew that it was some kind of prohibited drug.
If you find from your consideration of all the evidence that each of these propositions has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant guilty.
If, on the other hand, you find from your consideration of all the evidence that any of these propositions has not been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then you should find the defendant not guilty.
Committee Comment
See United States v. Osmani, 20 F.3d 266 (7th Cir. 1994).