When it comes to drug crimes, even a seemingly innocent object can contribute to your arrest for a charge of drug paraphernalia, or, more frequently, lead to your current drug charges being compounded with a possession of a drug paraphernalia charge.
Whether you are charged alone or in conjunction with other drug charges, possession of drug paraphernalia charge can come with serious penalties if you are convicted. An experienced Philadelphia drug crime defense attorney can fight to protect your rights and your freedom from a possession of drug paraphernalia charge.
Philadelphia Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyer
Possession of drug paraphernalia may seem like a minor charge, but it comes with serious consequences in Pennsylvania. If you have been arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, LLF Law Firm can build a customized, comprehensive defense solution for you, including fighting any other associated drug charges.
The LLF Law Firm has years of experience dealing with the War on Drugs. To find out what the LLF Law Firm can do for your Philadelphia possession of drug paraphernalia case, call (888) 535-3686 today and schedule your initial case consultation.
Information About Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Pennsylvania
- Penalties for Philadelphia Drug Paraphernalia Possession
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Pennsylvania
All drug-related offenses in Pennsylvania are governed by the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act (the Act). Possession of drug paraphernalia is covered under Section 13, clauses a(32) and a(33). These laws make it illegal to use or possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia for the purpose of planting, cultivating, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packing, or storing of controlled substances, or for the injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body one or more controlled substances.
These clauses of the Act also make it illegal to possess drug paraphernalia with the intent to deliver when the person knows or should know that it will be used for any of the aforementioned purposes regarding controlled substances. Possession can be actual or constructive. Actual possession means the drug paraphernalia is found actually on your person, such as in your hand or pocket. Constructive possession means you are aware of the drug paraphernalia and its purpose with both the intent and ability to take control of the drug paraphernalia.
Drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania is defined by the Act as all equipment, products, and materials which are used or intended for use in the planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, or concealing of a controlled substance, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of this act. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Scales and balances
- Bongs or pipes
- Rolling papers
- Bowls
- Baggies and envelopes
- Razor blades and spoons
- Syringes
When determining whether or not an object is drug paraphernalia, the Act directs the court to also consider factors like written instructions regarding use or any residue found on the object. Possession of drug paraphernalia in Philadelphia is a serious offense, and the services of an experienced drug crime defense attorney are highly recommended. When considering a qualified drug defense lawyer, it is best to contact him as soon as possible after your arrest.
Penalties for Philadelphia Drug Paraphernalia Possession
Under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act, it is a misdemeanor to use drug paraphernalia, possess drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it, or possess drug paraphernalia with the intent to deliver it. Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia in Philadelphia is punishable by a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a fine of $2500. These penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia will be in addition to the penalties you receive on conviction for any other drug charges related to your case.
Conviction for any drug crime, including possession of drug paraphernalia, can have a serious impact on your future. Having a drug-related offense on your record has the potential to disqualify you from certain educational or professional opportunities. An experienced Philadelphia drug crime defense lawyer can fight against your possession of drug paraphernalia charges using a comprehensive, customized defense that may include factors like proving the object or objects are not drug paraphernalia or showing a lack of proof of intent.
Finding the Best Philadelphia Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, contact experienced the Philadelphia drug crime defense lawyers at the LLF Law Firm. They have years of experience working in the court system and know what it takes to get a favorable resolution of your Philadelphia possession of drug paraphernalia case. Call (888) 535-3686 today and schedule your consultation.
