There are many items and actions that may result in a drug paraphernalia charge at either a state or federal level. Most of the time, it is considered a misdemeanor, though certain circumstances can increase it to a felony paraphernalia charge, especially at a state level.
Paraphernalia: Drug Laws and Federal Guidelines
Title 21 of the United States Code (USC) Controlled Substances Act clearly explains that it’s illegal:
(1) to sell or offer for sale drug paraphernalia;
(2) to use the mails or any other facility of interstate commerce to transport drug paraphernalia; or
(3) to import or export drug paraphernalia.
Individual states have unique guidelines that spell out the legality of possession of paraphernalia and other related offenses.
Items that May Result in a Paraphernalia Charge
The federal definition of “paraphernalia” is very general:
“any equipment, product or material of any kind which is primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing, compounding, converting, concealing, producing, processing, preparing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.”
However, they do allow smoking paraphernalia when it can be used for tobacco. An item may be considered marijuana paraphernalia if it is marketed specifically for use with marijuana or if it is being used with marijuana, even if it can be used for tobacco. A prime example of this is rolling papers. Though marketed as a tobacco product and sold in gas stations across the country, they would be considered marijuana paraphernalia if authorities discover it with marijuana or with other drug-related materials. Other common examples include:
- -Bongs
- -Chillums (cone-shaped marijuana/hash pipes)
- -Cocaine freebase kits
- -Miniature spoons
- -Pipes (acrylic, ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, stone, wood)
- -Roach clips
- -Water bongs
Penalties for Drug Paraphernalia Charges In Dallas
As a misdemeanor federal offense, a drug paraphernalia charge can result in as much as a 3-year sentence and fines. However, any amount of an illegal or controlled substance qualifies as a felony and paraphernalia are usually discovered along with drug residue or the raw, unconsumed substance. In these cases, the charge could be bumped up to a possession charge. For certain drugs, penalties for a first-time offender are as much as 20 years and a $1 million fine. Additionally, some common drugs have mandatory minimum sentences of 5 and 10 years, which means incarceration is a certainty when a guilty verdict is reached.
Retain a Federal Drug Paraphernalia Charges Attorney Today
A skilled attorney can use many possible defenses to have charges reduced or dropped. It can often be shown that marijuana paraphernalia is for tobacco or that certain items have lawful household uses. Sometimes it can be proven that a search was conducted improperly or that evidence was mismanaged. Each case is unique, though an experienced attorney can research the details of any given case to determine which strategy will be most beneficial. If you or a loved one is facing drug paraphernalia charges and would like to put them behind you so you can move on with your life, please contact one of the lawyers listed on Dallas Interstate Drug Lawyer and request your free case evaluation today.
