Ron has been selling cocaine 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 instructs 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:

QUESTION

Can Marisol be convicted as an accomplice? At a minimum, your answer must address mens rea, the natural and probable consequence doctrine, and whether Marisol could be said to have abandoned the crime.

Can Marisol be convicted as a co-conspirator? Your answer must address the dynamic of mens rea and actus reus.

For either, would it matter if Marisol had never been in the house when the actual drug sales took place? Would it matter if Marisol was an alcoholic and intoxicated most of the time?

Prepare and share a thoughtful response to one other student.