What is meant by "constructive possession" of a firearm?

"Constructive possession" of a firearm refers to a situation where an individual does not physically possess a firearm but has the ability to access or control it. This legal concept implies that a person can be considered to possess a firearm even if they are not in direct physical contact with it, as long as they have the means to exercise control over it.

In practical terms, constructive possession can occur when a firearm is stored in a location accessible to someone, such as a home or vehicle, and that person has the right to access it. This is significant in legal contexts, as it expands the definition of possession beyond mere physical holding to include situations where individuals have authority over a firearm.

This understanding is essential for firearm laws and safety regulations, as individuals can be held accountable for guns that they can access, even if they do not hold them directly at any given moment.