Possession of drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania is as the name references, is possessing paraphernalia that's related to the use of drugs. For example, if somebody were to smoke marijuana from a pipe, the pipe itself, the bong, for example, could be or would be considered drug paraphernalia. It is a, in terms of relatively speaking, a lesser drug offense but that does not mean the consequences cannot be both severe and unexpected for a person who's convicted or found guilty with possession of drug paraphernalia.
For example, a college student could get charged with this offense and they could think not much of it, regrettably, but it can affect them moving forward both in terms of internships, employment, future academic opportunities, graduate school, for example, because it would be on a person's record. If a person is a professional who is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, it can affect them in various ways also, including their professional license, if they're a licensed professional.
The consequences can be profound. There is no, say, low-level drug offense depending on a person's circumstances like these consequences can be serious. Having an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney can help you best understand and navigate the criminal process and they should be involved as early as possible to best address the allegations.