Numerous details influence the charges people face if they possess or consume drugs. If police officers discovered drugs in a person’s possession, the type of drug and the amount found directly influence the charges and penalties possible.
Sometimes, secondary details can increase the possible penalties or worsen the charges an individual faces. Police officers may find drug paraphernalia during a drug arrest. Paraphernalia can include items intended to consume drugs and other items associated with the drug trade, such as postage scales.
What are the potential consequences of alleged drug paraphernalia possession?
Paraphernalia possession is a misdemeanor
Under Alabama state statutes, drug paraphernalia possession is typically a misdemeanor offense for first offenses and a felony offense for subsequent charges. The state may bring paraphernalia charges without any drug charges if police officers only found tools intended for the use or distribution of drugs but no actual drugs or pieces of paraphernalia with residue.
They may also bring paraphernalia charges in addition to drug possession charges. The penalties for a paraphernalia possession conviction include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenses that lead to felony charges can carry up to 10 years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
In some cases, especially when there is no drug residue present and the items are not solely used for drug consumption or manufacturing, those facing paraphernalia charges may have straightforward defense strategies available to them. Reviewing the state’s evidence with a skilled legal team is an important first step for defendants hoping to fight paraphernalia charges and other Alabama drug charges.
