Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

West Chester PA Drug Paraphernalia Attorneys

Understanding the crime of Drug paraphernalia is as simple as appreciating how an innocent inanimate object can be used to commit an act which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania deems illegal. (ie. the venerable, reliable ziplock baggie). For example, a student at West Chester University or Villanova; or a high school student at Downingtown High or Henderson may study in comfort knowing that the plastic container is keeping their sandwich protected. But that same container, used to protect and insulate grams of the dry, green, plant-like marijuana plant (weed) is now illegal; as would a pipe, smoking papers, a cigar, a philly blunt, etc, used with the intent to ingest an illegal controlled substances.

Many people believe that an object is not considered drug paraphernalia until it has been used in conjunction with drugs. Another common belief is that you can’t face charges for having drug related objects if the objects aren’t accompanied by any drugs. However, neither belief is true. For example, if an individual is found with a bong, whether it has been used or not, he or she can be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Understanding laws and regulations is the best way to stay out of trouble and maintain your freedom. For individuals who have been arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, it is not too late to start gaining knowledge on the laws regarding your alleged offense. Consult with a knowledgeable drug crimes defense lawyer who can provide you with valuable legal information, that will help you throughout the legal process.

Really, a drug paraphernalia charge is nothing to sneer or laugh at: its a misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania and will result in a likely permanent criminal record if uncontested. Speak to an experienced and aggressive Chester County Criminal Defense Lawyer to discuss your rights and options if you or a loved one is facing a charge of drug paraphernalia in Pennsylvania. Our team is based in West Chester PA (Chester County) and represents clients throughout the Philadelphia region. Contact us by EMAIL or call (610) 692-8700 or toll free (877) 529-2422.

What is Drug Paraphernalia?

It is any object, product, material or equipment that is used or modified to be used to using, marking or concealing drugs such as recreation drugs, marijuana cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. If you are convicted of drug paraphernalia charge in Chester County or anywhere in Philadelphia or across PA, you will face a misdemeanor offense punishable upto 1 year and a fine of up to 2500.00. However, it is more serious if the charge is the sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia to minor who is 3 or more years junior: a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree with a fine up to $5000.00

Examples of Drug Paraphernalia

Drug Paraphernalia comes in many shapes and sizes and our West Chester PA based Criminal defense firm has seen numerous types of items identified and charged including but not limited to: a pot pipe, aluminum foil, a baggie, a blunt cigar, a scale, mirror, raxor, glass hashish pipes, crack cocaine pipes, smoking masks, hashish bongs, cocaine freebase kits, syringes, roach clips for holding the burning end of a marijuana joint, fertilizer used to grow marijuana, vials, or an item like a cosmetic container.

35 ps 780-113(a)31 small amount of mariuana
35 ps 780-113(a) 32 Possesion of Paraphernalia
35 ps 780-113(a) 33 PWID Paraphernalia
35 ps 780-113 (a) 34 PWID Paraphernalia to minor
35 ps 780-113 (a) 35 Ad for Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyer in Chester County

If you are facing charges for possession of drug paraphernalia in Exton, Norristown, Willow Street, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Downingtown, Coatesville, Media, Coatesville and the surrounding areas, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. In order to have the best chase of avoiding the penalties associated with your alleged offense, it would be best hire the team of defense attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices. These devoted attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your case gets the specialized attention it deserves.

The attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices are dedicated to fighting to protect the rights and freedom of their clients. Call us today at (610) 692-8700 to set up a consultation on your possession of drug paraphernalia charges.

Drug Paraphernalia Information for Pennsylvania

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Under Pennsylvania law, there are two types of possession that can result in criminal charges. If an individual has the paraphernalia in his or her hand, pocket, or on their body in any other way, they are said to be in “actual” possession. An individual is in “constructive” possession if the object in question is in close proximity to the individual, he or she is aware of its presence, and has the ability and intent to take control of it.

Drug paraphernalia is defined as any equipment, product, or object that is used or intended to be used for the purpose of:

Compounding
Testing
Preparing
Analyzing
Packaging
Containing
Injecting
Inhaling
Planting
Cultivating
Manufacturing or
Otherwise producing or using illegal controlled substances.

Items that are commonly used or considered as drug paraphernalia include scales, bongs, needles, syringes, water pipes, manufacturing kits, rolling papers, razors, plastic bags, and other household objects.

Drugs commonly used in conjunction with drug paraphernalia include:

Cocaine
Marijuana
LSD
Acid
Methamphetamine
Codeine
Heroin
Opium
Opiates
PCP
Mushrooms
Hydrocodone
Amphetamines

If drug paraphernalia is found within a close vicinity to any of the drugs mentioned above, it will usually result in charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, along with illegal possession of a controlled substance. Sometimes, officers will find drugs and mistake household objects for drug paraphernalia, resulting in an unnecessary charge. A drug defense lawyer may be able to argue in your favor to have your charges dismissed or reduced.

Penalties for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Pennsylvania

Individuals who are convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia can be sentenced to up to a year in prison, and/or be forced to pay a fine of up to $2,500.

If an individual is convicted of providing drug paraphernalia to someone who is less than 18 years old, and at least three years younger than the alleged offender, he or she can be face up to two years behind bars, and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

Passionately Fighting for Your Freedom

For individuals facing charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, it is important to take an aggressive approach in defending yourself against these charges. The attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices passionately serve clients in Chester County, Montgomery County, Lancaster County, and Delaware County who are facing drug paraphernalia charges. We will assign a team of defense lawyers to your case, which will allow us to attack the prosecution’s case from many different angles.

With offices located in Malvern, Radnor, King of Prussia, Springfield, Plymouth Meeting, Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Lancaster, and West Chester, Ciccarelli Law Offices is able represent clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Region, call us today at (610) 692-8700 and let us fight for you.

Contact an Experienced West Chester Drug Paraphernalia Lawyer

Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices when you need an experienced defense lawyer to fight drug Paraphernalia charges. We look forward to fight for your rights before, during and after an arrest. Our reputation for successful defense strategy and tactics coupled with one-one-one client interaction makes us the Pennsylvania defense attorneys of choice for individuals facing serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges.

Ciccarelli Law offices defends individuals and their families facing drug paraphernalia and related drug crimes in Pennsylvania. Our Pennsylvania criminal lawyers have been handling drug cases for more than 30 years and look to help clients avoid having these charges lead to serious jail time and a permanent mark on their criminal record.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Attorney at Ciccarelli Lawyers, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.