Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in Florida take drug charges very seriously. When it comes to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, a statute that offers such a broad definition of drug paraphernalia that common, everyday items can get you into trouble aids the state.
Pretty much anything that you could use to ingest, inhale or introduce a substance into your body is drug paraphernalia. A pipe that might be used to smoke tobacco may also be used to inhale illegal drugs.
The statute also includes within its broad definition anything used anything used for the following purposes related to drugs:
- Planting
- Propagation
- Growing
- Harvesting
- Manufacturing
- Producing
- Testing
- Packing
- Concealing
Possession of a scale to weigh drugs or envelopes or other containers within which to conceal them will also fall under the definition of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors may file possession of drug paraphernalia charges together with other drug charges, but they do not have to do so. Having a prohibited item in your possession without there also being evidence of drug possession may be sufficient for a charge related to the paraphernalia.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is misdemeanor of the first degree that can result in a jail sentence. Manufacturing or delivering drug paraphernalia is a felony of the third degree with serious consequences that may include a prison sentence.
The seriousness of drug charges and drug-related crimes requires the services of a skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney. Challenging the search and seizure conducted by police that led them to the discovery of the drug paraphernalia might be part of the defense strategy your Tampa lawyer might employ on your behalf depending upon the facts and circumstances of your case.