California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Noble, F055403 (Cal. App. 7/9/2009), F055403 (Cal. App. 2009):
We rejected the respondent's argument that the general intent requirement regarding unlawful gun possession is satisfied by proof of knowledge. "We agree knowledge plus physical possession may ordinarily demonstrate an intent to exercise dominion and control, but knowledge does not conclusively demonstrate such intent as a matter of law. Otherwise, a felon would be strictly liable for the crime immediately upon finding a firearm, even if found under innocent circumstances." (People v. Jeffers, supra, 41 Cal.App.4th at p. 922.)
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