How to get Drug Paraphernalia Charges Dropped
One of the most common charges issued in the Pittsburgh area is drug paraphernalia charges. Many believe that an individual must be in possession of an illegal substance to be charged, but this is far from the truth. Drug paraphernalia charges relate to the various items that can be used to ingest, smoke, or shoot up drugs. This means that even if an individual has a pipe with very trace amounts of an illegal substance in it, they can still be charged and face jail time and a criminal conviction.
Drug paraphernalia charges should not be taken lightly, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. The best way to beat these chares is to contact Worgul Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC. We understand the severity of the consequences our clients are facing when charged with a drug paraphernalia offense, and we don’t want to let one mistake or misunderstanding rouin any of our client’s futures. Contact us today at 412-388-9721 for a free initial case consultation.
On this Page:
- What is Drug Paraphernalia?
- Penalties for Drug Paraphernalia
- Can I be charged if I’m not in possession?
- Contact Us
What Is Drug Paraphernalia?
Equipment that is used for producing, concealing, or consuming illicit drugs is considered to be drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania, and that includes Pittsburgh. Things that can be considered drug paraphernalia are bongs, miniature spoons, pipes, roach clips, needles, syringes, baggies, and pouches designed to carry these products. Federal law defines drug paraphernalia as “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.”
Penalties For Possessing Drug Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia charges in Pittsburgh are harsh and often correlate to charges associated with possession of drugs. If an individual is convicted of a drug paraphernalia charge in Pennsylvania they could be facing penalties such as:
- A misdemeanor charge on a permanent criminal record
- A year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
For those who have been convicted of drug-related crimes previously, their penalties may be higher. The same stands for those who sell or provide drug paraphernalia to any under-age person, or any individual that is three or more years younger than the offender. These offenses can come with penalties such as:
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- 2 years in jail
- Up to $5,000 in fines and court fees
Any individual charged with a drug paraphernalia charge could also be prohibited from obtaining a CDL or they may have theirs revoked if they already have a CDL. A CDL is a license that takes a lot of time and effort to obtain, therefore it can be seriously life-altering if it is revoked or suspended. Others may not be able to obtain certain jobs if they have a drug paraphernalia charge on their record, which may stop them from achieving their future dreams and aspirations.
Can I Be Charged With Drug Paraphernalia If I Am Not In Possession?
The simple answer is yes. Even if an individual does not have any illicit substance on their person, they can still be charged with drug paraphernalia if they have anything that falls under the drug paraphernalia guidelines. This is to curb individuals from carrying it on their person to sell to others, or to help deter them from consuming an illegal substance in the near future. Whichever the reason, a police officer does not need an illegal substance to charge an individual with drug paraphernalia. They only need reasonable suspicion. Especially if the paraphernalia smells like an illegal substance or appears to have been used to ingest, consume, shoot, or smoke an illegal substance.
Contact An Experienced Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer Near You In Pittsburgh
A lengthy jail sentence and significant fines can accompany a drug paraphernalia charge if not handled swiftly and seriously. Alone, a charged individual will have a hard time navigating the court system and standing up for themselves in court without legal knowledge. That is why it is so important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side through the whole process.
Many of our clients at Worgul, Sarna & Ness Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC have questions about whether or not they should speak to the police, or how to handle certain paperwork, or how these types of charges can affect their lives in the long run. Our dedicated team of attorneys will answer all of these questions and more. To learn more about how we can fight for your rights, and help you navigate the muddy waters that is the Pittsburgh legal system, call us today at 412-388-9721 for a free consultation.